Bortoleto gives Audi its first podium in São Paulo

Gabriel Bortoleto scored the first podium of Audi's works Formula 1 era with third place in São Paulo, in front of the crowd that has followed him since his karting years.

The result was built on a single decision. When the rain arrived on lap 17, Audi brought Bortoleto in immediately while the cars ahead stayed out for another two laps. He emerged sixth on intermediates and was fourth by the time the leaders had stopped.

Read also:Marko rejects Horner's account of Verstappen signingMarko rejects Horner's account of Verstappen signing

"I heard the crowd before I saw the flag," he said. "I have watched Brazilians on that podium on television my whole life."

A first for Hinwil under its new name

The Hinwil factory has been on the podium many times as Sauber. This was its first as Audi, and the first for a German manufacturer as a full constructor since 2009.

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley was careful to frame it as an outlier. "We took a chance and it worked. The car is not a podium car yet. That is next year's job."