Interlagos result follows grid penalty
Gabriel Bortoleto finished the São Paulo Grand Prix in 16th place on November 8, 2026, after starting the race from the 19th position.
The Audi driver’s result was heavily influenced by a 10-place grid penalty issued just before the start due to the team replacing his battery and electronic control unit, as reported by CNN Brasil.
The race, which saw Lando Norris take the victory, also featured other grid shake-ups; Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Pérez received more severe 30-position penalties, forcing them to start at the back of the field.
Conversely, these adjustments benefited other drivers, including Rafael Câmara and Bortoleto, who moved up several spots. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson and Nico Hülkenberg started in unusual positions, lining up third and fourth, respectively.
Performance comparison with 2025
The 2026 race marked a contrast to Bortoleto’s debut season in 2025. During that year’s São Paulo Grand Prix, the driver crashed out in both the Saturday sprint and the opening lap of the main race on Sunday, according to VEJA. Despite finishing this year’s event, Bortoleto rejected the idea that simply completing the distance provided a sense of relief.
“It’s my obligation.” He noted that while he was frustrated by his Saturday qualifying performance, he felt the car showed a positive rhythm during the race and that the team is evolving. He explained that he did not feel relief because he believed the team had the potential to deliver a top-10 finish throughout the weekend sessions.
Las Vegas race ahead
Bortoleto is now looking toward the next stage of the Formula 1 season, which is scheduled for November 22, 2026, in Las Vegas, United States. While the driver focused on his on-track performance, attention also turned to the paddock arrivals.
Isabella Bernardini, namorada de Bortoleto, compareceu ao Autódromo de Interlagos vestindo uma peça personalizada criada pela designer alemã Fiona Rorig. The garment was made from official Audi team uniforms in partnership with Adidas and featured the number 5, representing Bortoleto’s car.
The design behind the paddock
Isabella Bernardini, a Computer Science graduate working in data analysis and artificial intelligence, drew attention for her customized Audi dress. Designer Fiona Rorig, who collaborated with Audi to utilize materials from the “Sampa Soul” special line, explained that the goal was to ensure the sporting origin of the piece remained recognizable even after its transformation.
Rorig, who has gained international recognition for creating a dress for Erling Haaland’s girlfriend, Isabel Johansen, and a coat for Lionel Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, emphasized the challenge of merging the sporting universe with women’s fashion.
She aims to move away from the trend of women simply wearing smaller versions of traditional uniforms, opting instead to create pieces with distinct feminine characteristics. Despite her professional routine, Bernardini regularly attends Grands Prix to support her partner.
Why Bortoleto received a penalty and how his performance changed
Why did Gabriel Bortoleto receive a 10-position grid penalty?
The Audi team performed a late change to the battery and the electronic control unit in his car, triggering the penalty, according to CNN Brasil.
How did Bortoleto’s 2026 Interlagos performance compare to his debut?
In 2025, Bortoleto retired from both the sprint and the main race after crashes, whereas he completed the full race distance in 2026, according to VEJA and UOL.
What is the next race for the Formula 1 calendar?
The next Grand Prix is scheduled for November 22, 2026, in Las Vegas, United States, according to UOL.
