Nico Hulkenberg left red-faced after Gabriel Bortoleto prank at United States GP

Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto pulled a lighthearted prank on his teammate Nico Hulkenberg during a fan appearance at the United States Grand Prix. While walking onto the stage at the Circuit of the Americas, Bortoleto pulled down Hulkenberg's trousers in front of cheering fans. The German driver took the joke in good spirits, laughing as he pulled his clothes straight, with videos of the interaction quickly going viral.

The comedic moment provided a brief distraction during a difficult weekend for Bortoleto, who faces a back-of-the-grid start for Sunday's race due to power unit penalties. Audi currently sits eighth in the 2026 constructors' championship with 23 points, with Hulkenberg contributing 13 points and Bortoleto securing 10 points over the course of the season.