Audi finds itself in hot water after the final practice session at the United States Grand Prix, with both Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg under official investigation for separate incidents. The scrutiny began 11 minutes into FP3 at the Circuit of the Americas when Hulkenberg allegedly breached regulations during a practice start at precisely 12:41 local time. The stewards wasted no time summoning Hulkenberg to explain the infraction.

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Shortly thereafter, Bortoleto faced the stewards following a contentious episode involving Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton at Turn 12, the circuit’s sharp left-hander. Hamilton, who remarkably topped the FP3 timesheets for the first time in two years, was on a rapid flying lap but was forced to brake aggressively. The cause: Bortoleto was moving slowly on the racing line, seemingly impeding Hamilton’s momentum. This incident raises serious questions, especially as Bortoleto is already burdened with an 80-place grid penalty due to a double power unit change this weekend, amplifying the pressure on the rookie Audi driver.

The timing and nature of these incidents put Audi under intense scrutiny, as the team’s drivers are now battling both on-track challenges and regulatory hurdles. The investigation of Hulkenberg’s alleged practice start breach and Bortoleto’s impeding of a championship contender could have significant consequences for the team’s weekend at COTA.

Hamilton’s ability to set the fastest lap in FP3 highlights his determination and pace, despite the unexpected obstruction. Audi’s double investigation threatens to overshadow this high-stakes weekend, potentially impacting race strategies and grid positions. The stewards’ decisions on these matters will be pivotal in shaping the competitive landscape heading into the race.

With both drivers summoned for questioning, Audi faces a critical moment where the outcome of these investigations could either compound their difficulties or allow them to refocus on race day performance. The spotlight is firmly on the German manufacturer as they navigate this turbulent phase at the United States Grand Prix.