Disappointing home GP for Gabriel Bortoleto despite DHL Fastest Pit Stop

Gabriel Bortoleto had a lot riding on this race after his terrible showing in last year's Brazilian Grand Prix. As you may recollect, he had a massive 57-g crash during the sprint event and spun off track on the first lap of the race after contact with Lance Stroll.

Yes indeed, the Audi driver's home race really does appear to be jinxed! He spun off track in Turn 12 during a soaking wet qualifying session and had to start the race from 19th place. In contrast to Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who managed to score points from the back of the field, the Brazilian didn't make much progress.

Bortoleto dropped to the back of the field after a poor start but had fought his way up to 16th by the time the track was ready for slicks. He was then stuck behind Lance Stroll following his first pit stop, and so, in a bid to improve his chances, the team brought him in for new soft tires on lap 32, making him the first driver to pit from the back of the field. Audi's mechanics were then able to secure their third DHL Fastest Pit Stop of the year with a top time of 2.13 seconds.

Unfortunately for Bortoleto, it didn't do him much good, as he was only able to work his way up through the backmarkers to 16th place again by the time the race ended. "Obviously it's a consequence from Saturday," said an unhappy Bortoleto. "Starting from the back, you need to overtake people. It wasn't easy to overtake. It's a shame. My home race wasn't how I expected. But the love from the fans was there, I really appreciate that."