Bortoleto gets an 80-place grid penalty: starting in Austin or all the way back in Malaysia?

With an 80-place grid penalty, the question almost becomes geographical: where exactly is Gabriel Bortoleto supposed to start? The Brazilian will begin the United States Grand Prix at the back of the field after power-unit changes on his Audi produced an unusually large total of penalties. The practical consequence is last place on the grid, but the number invites jokes about starting on another continent.

How the penalty reached 80 places

Bortoleto initially received a combined 20-place drop for using a fourth energy store and a fourth control electronics unit. Further changes on Saturday added another 60 places.

Audi introduced more components, including an internal combustion engine, turbocharger and MGU-K, as well as another energy store and control electronics unit. The accumulated penalties reached 80 places, far more than the number of cars on the grid.

The regulations do not, however, send the driver to an imaginary 93rd position. A cumulative penalty exceeding 15 places requires a driver to start from the back of the field.

A different objective in qualifying

Knowing his starting position was already compromised, Bortoleto and Audi adjusted their qualifying approach. The Brazilian finished 13th with a 1:35.691, but part of his task was to help Nico Hulkenberg by providing a tow on the straights.

Bortoleto was pleased with the car’s behaviour in Q1 and explained that he wanted to produce a strong lap before focusing on assisting his team-mate. Hulkenberg qualified 12th and will start 11th once Arvid Lindblad’s penalty is applied.

Looking for opportunities from the back

Despite the difficult starting position, Bortoleto remains optimistic. He pointed out that overtaking is possible in Austin and that the team must be ready to exploit opportunities whenever they arise.

Audi racing director Allan McNish also highlighted his contribution in qualifying and expressed confidence that the Brazilian could make progress. Bortoleto’s task is clear: leave the penalty calculations behind and start gaining real positions on the circuit. Fortunately, a journey from Malaysia to the first corner will not be necessary.

Sources: Formula1.com — grid penalties, qualifying reactions.