{"id":1864444,"date":"2026-04-03T09:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T06:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1864444"},"modified":"2026-04-03T09:19:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T06:19:00","slug":"is-one-of-f1s-new-teams-at-risk-of-losing-momentum-after-race-cancellations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1864444","title":{"rendered":"Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations?<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Audi has started the 2026 season strongly, but could the Formula 1 spring break halt this charge?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall , Adam Cooper<\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-03T13:04:41+00:00\">Updated: 03 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Audi sits eighth in the constructors&#8217; championship after scoring two points<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Audi has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, and Gabriel Bortoleto is determined to continue this momentum through the unscheduled spring break, despite the disruption to the &#8220;huge learning curve&#8221; of the new regulations.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">F1 reacted to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East by cancelling both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. While the move was met with approval, it has resulted in a five-week break between the Japanese and Miami rounds, with no racing taking place in April.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While all teams may be in the same boat, for those enjoying a strong start to the campaign, like Audi, it risks halting the positive momentum gained.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI don\u2019t think it matters, right? I think it\u2019s the same for everyone,&#8221; said Bortoleto. &#8220;Obviously, the teams that are a bit more on top of things, probably for them, it matters a bit less than for teams that are still in a huge learning curve, but we also have nowadays in F1, we have a lot of facilities that help us, tools that help us to develop the car and things offline, when we are not on track.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;So we will still be making a lot of progress and work in the dyno, and a lot of simulator things. Obviously, the biggest learning you can get is when you are on the track, but also, we are happy to be doing work in the dyno sessions and in the simulator sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In a bid to continue the early positivity, Bortoleto will not be spending more time at home than normal, adding: \u201cTo be honest, I filled my calendar with splitting the simulator days in Switzerland and Germany, where we have the simulator facilities for the engine, so we have a lot of work to be done in both of the sims.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;I basically will be spending a lot of time in both the facilities and just hope to optimise the time that we would be on the track, spending time with the engineers and improving things that we need to.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7293dd450024a77f85c339994c9f8ba06ba1ed9bc2260728b8c4e243c06d2991\">  Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon   Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Audi may have only scored two points so far, both through Bortoleto in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, but the team has been a constant challenger for a top 10 berth on the grid, and has been pushing for further points in both China and Japan, with Nico Hulkenberg taking the flag one place shy on both occasions.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While there is a risk to this forward momentum, the pause could also help Audi to reset after the sudden departure of team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who left the outfit following the Chinese Grand Prix and has been linked to a position with backmarkers Aston Martin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">As for the team personnel, time away from the factory has been severely limited in recent months, with the late finish of the 2025 season rolling into the final preparations for 2026, and launch season. This unexpected break, while used for development, will also allow some extra family time, something that is all too rare in the F1 sphere.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-de7eb364a41aa0af5b2d2be88c50bbf9903a7c18347b476416bd1a7a4003882b\">  Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours   Why Gabriel Bortoleto was &#8216;not surprised&#8217; by timing of Jonathan Wheatley&#8217;s Audi F1 exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI think it\u2019s incredible for them,&#8221; said Bortoleto. &#8220;I think they all deserve it. As a racing driver, even if I am on track, I always put these people; they normally arrive earlier than I do, and they leave after I do, because they have much work to do, so for them, it is good to spend some time with family and be able to be a bit more at home, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Gabriel Bortoleto<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Audi<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Red Bull offers Miami F1 hope to Max Verstappen, but not &#8220;miracles&#8221;<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403868_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Toto Wolff hails &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Kimi Antonelli F1 win rate<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404498_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-f4138086978e7881e91c18f97f85018a0dbf055bf20282dea461ac804f0f767f\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-1c14460f7da7b2e9e64b8b04545b458cb397de327583cc5da3522fcd3b70eacf\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi\u2019s personnel problem: What next after shock F1 team boss exit?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774278394\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1401122_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Audi has been rocked by Wheatley's shock departure \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How the F1 2026 midfield battle is shaping up after two rounds <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774263176\"> 23\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/2266585144-412.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Haas has emerged from the winter as the midfield leader \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jonathan Wheatley leaves Audi &#8220;with immediate effect&#8221;, paving way for Aston Martin F1 move<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774018371\"> 20\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1402041_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Jonathan Wheatley, Audi, China F1 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Audi reveals drawback of having no customer teams<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1773843300\"> 18\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1397639_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wheatley, Audi, F1, China, 2026\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How Audi achieved an F1 debut considered a &#8220;drunk&#8221; prediction by one driver<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1773056785\"> 09\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399173_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Audi Formula 1 team, 2026 Australian GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Underdog Australian GP qualifying star explains odd stoppage<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1772883465\"> 07\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1399393_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Gabriel Bortoleto is pushed back into the pit lane \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Audi has started the 2026 season strongly, but could the Formula 1 spring break halt this charge?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Audi has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, and Gabriel Bortoleto is determined to continue this momentum through the unscheduled spring break, despite the disruption to the &#8220;huge learning curve&#8221; of the new regulations.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">F1 reacted to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East by cancelling both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. While the move was met with approval, it has resulted in a five-week break between the Japanese and Miami rounds, with no racing taking place in April.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While all teams may be in the same boat, for those enjoying a strong start to the campaign, like Audi, it risks halting the positive momentum gained.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI don\u2019t think it matters, right? I think it\u2019s the same for everyone,&#8221; said Bortoleto. &#8220;Obviously, the teams that are a bit more on top of things, probably for them, it matters a bit less than for teams that are still in a huge learning curve, but we also have nowadays in F1, we have a lot of facilities that help us, tools that help us to develop the car and things offline, when we are not on track.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;So we will still be making a lot of progress and work in the dyno, and a lot of simulator things. Obviously, the biggest learning you can get is when you are on the track, but also, we are happy to be doing work in the dyno sessions and in the simulator sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In a bid to continue the early positivity, Bortoleto will not be spending more time at home than normal, adding: \u201cTo be honest, I filled my calendar with splitting the simulator days in Switzerland and Germany, where we have the simulator facilities for the engine, so we have a lot of work to be done in both of the sims.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;I basically will be spending a lot of time in both the facilities and just hope to optimise the time that we would be on the track, spending time with the engineers and improving things that we need to.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7293dd450024a77f85c339994c9f8ba06ba1ed9bc2260728b8c4e243c06d2991\">  Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon   Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Audi may have only scored two points so far, both through Bortoleto in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, but the team has been a constant challenger for a top 10 berth on the grid, and has been pushing for further points in both China and Japan, with Nico Hulkenberg taking the flag one place shy on both occasions.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While there is a risk to this forward momentum, the pause could also help Audi to reset after the sudden departure of team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who left the outfit following the Chinese Grand Prix and has been linked to a position with backmarkers Aston Martin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">As for the team personnel, time away from the factory has been severely limited in recent months, with the late finish of the 2025 season rolling into the final preparations for 2026, and launch season. This unexpected break, while used for development, will also allow some extra family time, something that is all too rare in the F1 sphere.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-de7eb364a41aa0af5b2d2be88c50bbf9903a7c18347b476416bd1a7a4003882b\">  Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours   Why Gabriel Bortoleto was &#8216;not surprised&#8217; by timing of Jonathan Wheatley&#8217;s Audi F1 exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI think it\u2019s incredible for them,&#8221; said Bortoleto. &#8220;I think they all deserve it. As a racing driver, even if I am on track, I always put these people; they normally arrive earlier than I do, and they leave after I do, because they have much work to do, so for them, it is good to spend some time with family and be able to be a bit more at home, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Audi has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, and Gabriel Bortoleto is determined to continue this momentum through the unscheduled spring break, despite the disruption to the &#8220;huge learning curve&#8221; of the new regulations.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">F1 reacted to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East by cancelling both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. While the move was met with approval, it has resulted in a five-week break between the Japanese and Miami rounds, with no racing taking place in April.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While all teams may be in the same boat, for those enjoying a strong start to the campaign, like Audi, it risks halting the positive momentum gained.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI don\u2019t think it matters, right? I think it\u2019s the same for everyone,&#8221; said Bortoleto. &#8220;Obviously, the teams that are a bit more on top of things, probably for them, it matters a bit less than for teams that are still in a huge learning curve, but we also have nowadays in F1, we have a lot of facilities that help us, tools that help us to develop the car and things offline, when we are not on track.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;So we will still be making a lot of progress and work in the dyno, and a lot of simulator things. Obviously, the biggest learning you can get is when you are on the track, but also, we are happy to be doing work in the dyno sessions and in the simulator sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In a bid to continue the early positivity, Bortoleto will not be spending more time at home than normal, adding: \u201cTo be honest, I filled my calendar with splitting the simulator days in Switzerland and Germany, where we have the simulator facilities for the engine, so we have a lot of work to be done in both of the sims.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;I basically will be spending a lot of time in both the facilities and just hope to optimise the time that we would be on the track, spending time with the engineers and improving things that we need to.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-7293dd450024a77f85c339994c9f8ba06ba1ed9bc2260728b8c4e243c06d2991\">  Audi\u2019s glaring F1 2026 weakness can\u2019t be fixed anytime soon   Audi F1 restructure plan after shock Jonathan Wheatley exit revealed <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Audi may have only scored two points so far, both through Bortoleto in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, but the team has been a constant challenger for a top 10 berth on the grid, and has been pushing for further points in both China and Japan, with Nico Hulkenberg taking the flag one place shy on both occasions.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While there is a risk to this forward momentum, the pause could also help Audi to reset after the sudden departure of team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who left the outfit following the Chinese Grand Prix and has been linked to a position with backmarkers Aston Martin.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">As for the team personnel, time away from the factory has been severely limited in recent months, with the late finish of the 2025 season rolling into the final preparations for 2026, and launch season. This unexpected break, while used for development, will also allow some extra family time, something that is all too rare in the F1 sphere.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-de7eb364a41aa0af5b2d2be88c50bbf9903a7c18347b476416bd1a7a4003882b\">  Aston Martin\u2019s unconvincing response to growing Wheatley rumours   Why Gabriel Bortoleto was &#8216;not surprised&#8217; by timing of Jonathan Wheatley&#8217;s Audi F1 exit <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI think it\u2019s incredible for them,&#8221; said Bortoleto. &#8220;I think they all deserve it. As a racing driver, even if I am on track, I always put these people; they normally arrive earlier than I do, and they leave after I do, because they have much work to do, so for them, it is good to spend some time with family and be able to be a bit more at home, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092854\/1\/one-f1s-new-teams-risk-losing-momentum-after-race-cancellations&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404756_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Is one of F1\u2019s new teams at risk of losing momentum after race cancellations? Audi has started the 2026 season strongly, but could the Formula 1 spring break halt this charge? Sam Hall , Adam Cooper Updated: 03 Apr 2026 Share Audi sits eighth in the constructors&#8217; championship after scoring two points [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1864444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1864444"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1864444\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1864444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1864444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1864444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}