Disqualification looms for Bortoleto after FIA scrutineering

The Brazilian in car number 5 finished eleventh in the Miami sprint race held earlier this Saturday. After the race, however, Bortoleto’s car did not fully meet the governing body’s technical requirements. The intake air pressure of the power unit was inspected by the FIA, and the maximum pressure of 4.8 barA was exceeded.

Bauer, the federation’s head of technical matters, has forwarded it to the stewards. In the event of a technical infringement or if a car fails technical scrutineering, disqualification follows. There is no final decision yet. In terms of points, there would be no consequences for Audi and Bortoleto, as no points are awarded outside the top 8 in the sprint race.

It’s not a great start to Saturday in Miami for Audi, as Nico Hülkenberg also recorded a DNF. Things already went wrong for the German on the laps to the grid. The engine blew and produced a substantial cloud of smoke. For Bortoleto, it wasn’t a particularly eventful morning in Miami. Audi’s focus will undoubtedly be on a comeback in qualifying to secure a good starting position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Apart from some battles in the opening phase, the race was fairly straightforward, with Lando Norris keeping it well under control from start to finish. Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc completed the podium. Max Verstappen finished fifth after a time penalty for Kimi Antonelli. He fought with Lewis Hamilton, and it got quite intense for a moment. After he retook the position from Hamilton, he pulled away. The drivers are now gearing up for qualifying, which will start at 22:00.