Automotive
Audi Formula 1 Team Reveals Future Driver Lineup with Rising Star Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg

The driver pairing for Audi’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026 has been set. One of the most promising talents for the future will represent the four rings in the pinnacle of motorsport: Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto (20) will drive alongside German Nico Hülkenberg (37) for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber next year, which will transform into the Audi F1 factory team in 2026. The experienced Hülkenberg, who was confirmed in April, and the promising F1 rookie Bortoleto form a well-matched driver pairing for Audi’s Formula 1 project.

Hailing from São Paulo, Bortoleto made a strong impression in 2023 by dominating his debut season and winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He is currently leading the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings. His career began at the age of six in karting, and by twelve, he had moved to Europe with his family to pursue his Formula 1 dream. Joining the future Audi F1 factory team now gives Bortoleto the opportunity to show his talent at the highest level of motorsport.
The team already confirmed German driver Nico Hülkenberg for the upcoming season back in April. With a balanced mix of experience and youth, the team is preparing for the transition to the Audi F1 factory team in 2026.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG: “We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, with young drivers immediately making an impact. By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.”
Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport AG: “Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver. We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi. Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future.”
Gabriel Bortoleto: “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports. Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honor. Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico. Both programs have a proven track record of nurturing young talent, and I am confident that together we will write our own success story.”
Automotive
OMODA & JAECOO Bring Next-Gen Driving to Al Wahda Mall with Immersive Pop-Up Activation

Automotive innovation meets urban flair as OMODA & JAECOO launch an exciting new campaign activation at Al Wahda Mall, offering visitors a first-hand experience of their boldest models yet. Running throughout June, the pop-up invites the public to discover and test drive the cutting-edge OMODA C5, the versatile JAECOO J7, and the powerful JAECOO J8 — all under one roof.
Strategically located in one of Abu Dhabi’s busiest lifestyle hubs, the OMODA & JAECOO pop-up is more than just a car display — it’s an immersive journey into the future of driving. The space blends striking vehicle showcases with interactive experiences, allowing guests to explore the design, technology, and performance that define these new-age vehicles.

“This activation is more than a showcase — it’s a celebration of what’s next in the world of driving,” said Saj Jabbar, General Manager of MAHY Khoory Automotive. “We’re inviting customers to get behind the wheel, experience the innovation firsthand, and become part of a new era in automotive excellence. Whether it’s the bold design of the OMODA C5 or the adventurous appeal of the JAECOO lineup, there’s something here to excite every kind of driver.”
Designed to spark curiosity and engagement, the campaign caters to a wide audience — from first-time buyers and SUV enthusiasts to anyone eager to explore the buzz surrounding OMODA & JAECOO. With dedicated brand experts on site, visitors can enjoy personalized consultations and in-depth insights throughout the activation.
This month-long event at Al Wahda Mall is a rare chance to explore the latest in smart mobility and stylish design — right in the heart of the capital.

As part of this exciting OMODA & JAECOO pop-up presentation, customers can explore the choice between two exceptional purchase offers. The first offer includes free service for 4 years or 80,000 km, free insurance, free registration, free tinting, a free warranty extension of up to 10 years or 1 million km, seven years of free roadside assistance, and free two-tone paint—offering unbeatable peace of mind and value. Alternatively, customers can choose five years of 0% finance, making next-generation driving more accessible than ever.
Event Highlights:
- Discover the OMODA C5, JAECOO J7, and JAECOO J8 up close
- Book your test drive directly at the pop-up
- Enjoy exclusive offers throughout the activation period
Interact with brand specialists for a personalized experience
Automotive
99% Faster EV Charging: NIO Redefines Electric Vehicle Charging in the UAE with 3-Minute Battery Swaps

NIO, a global leader in premium smart electric vehicles, is redefining how drivers in the UAE power their EVs with the successful deployment of its Power Swap Station technology. Offering a seamless alternative to conventional charging, NIO’s patented battery swapping technology enables users to receive a charged battery in as little as 3 minutes.
This advanced infrastructure provides a faster and more energy efficient solution compared to traditional EV charging, addressing two of the biggest challenges facing EV adoption in the UAE: long charging times and limited charger availability.
The system is fully automated, from autonomously parking inside the station, to removing and replacing the discharged battery and a complete health check is performed on the battery, motor, and electric systems. Every swapped battery is charged under optimal conditions and monitored to ensure peak performance and safety.

The five key benefits of battery swapping are:
- As fast as refuelling, a battery swap only takes 3 minutes
- Hassle-free and automated swap, without leaving the car
- Every swap is a health check, ensuring every battery is in Full system health check at every swap
- Optimized charging for longer battery lifespan
- A swappable battery is more easily reused or recycled
The UAE’s first Power Swap Station was officially opened in February 2025, located at Yas Marina Circuit. Since then, around 15% of NIO users in the UAE are actively battery swapping, a number which will continue to grow as more stations are added to the network. This reflects genuine user adoption and an increasing preference among local users.
Unlike conventional charging, that, due to charging curves, slows as the battery nears full capacity, battery swapping provides a charged replacement instantly. NIO Power Swap can provide a more efficient energy deliver solution for the user, eliminating delays, making electric vehicles more practical for everyday use.
Comparing swapping to charging, a 100-kilowatt-hour battery from 5% to 95% would typically take:
- 8 hours on 11kW AC – up to 99% time saving via NIO Power Swap Station
- 2 hours on 50kW DC – up to 97% time saving via NIO Power Swap Station
- 45 minutes on 120kW DC – up to 93% time saving via NIO Power Swap Station
To date, more than 1,749 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been delivered through battery swaps. Delivering the same amount of energy with a 120kW DC charger would take around 15 hours, while the Power Swap Station has done it in just 1.4 hours of total swapping time, a tenfold improvement in energy delivery time.
As demand for battery swapping continues to grow, a second NIO Power Swap Station is set to open in Dubai in the coming weeks, with further stations to follow later this year.
NIO’s Power Swap Station reinforces the brand’s alignment with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which encourages investment in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions designed to support the UAE’s fast-growing population.
Automotive
Alessio Soligo appointed as Head of Lamborghini Middle East & Africa

Automobili Lamborghini has announced the appointment of Alessio Soligo as the new Head of Middle East & Africa, following six years in a similar role in South Europe. In his new position, Soligo will oversee sales, marketing, and after-sales operations across all 13 locations of the brand’s MEA dealership network.
Alessio Soligo joins the Middle East & Africa team following his successful tenure as Area Manager in southern Europe, responsible for Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey. With a background in electronic engineering, he joined Lamborghini as a production engineer in 2015. His decade of diverse technical and commercial expertise gained within the company will play a pivotal role in the brand’s further growth across this important region.

Francesco Cresci, Regional Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Automobili Lamborghini, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Alessio Soligo as Head of Lamborghini Middle East and Africa. With a strong technical background, and proven track record of successful management in key European markets, he brings a wealth of automotive experience to the role. We are confident that his background, strategic vision and expertise will help us continue to deliver exceptional experiences to our wide range of customers in the MEA region.”
Lamborghini currently operates through 13 dealerships across the Middle East & Africa, catering to a well-established and engaged community of enthusiasts and customers. The brand continues to explore opportunities to expand its footprint in the region and further elevate the customer experience.
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