Before pre-season testing, Audi were seen as one of the manufacturers most vulnerable to suffer hardship with these new regulations. After all, 2026 marks the Neuberg outfit’s first year producing an F1-calibre engine.
Over the last few weeks, however, Audi have quickly proven the more pessimistic forecasts about their performance to be incorrect.
Despite their lack of experience and early hiccups during the development of their engine programme (which saw Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley brought into the team to rectify the situation), Audi are in a strong position.
During his Friday media duties, Gabriel Bortoleto spoke positively about the team’s foundation for the 2026 campaign.
Bortoleto reflects on Audi R26 debut in Australia
In the build-up to 2026, both Audi and Red Bull’s chances of delivering a competitive engine were doubted. This pessimism was understandable, given the challenges associated with being a manufacturer team.
Audi’s journey was particularly tricky, given that – unlike Red Bull – Mattia Binotto’s engine department does not consist of dozens of engineers signed from rivals.
Whilst Red Bull aggressively hired engineers and technicians from Mercedes and Honda’s engine department, Audi have looked internally to build their powertrains division.
This approach was always the most likely option, in the context of the German brand’s philosophy across multiple sporting categories.
Moreover, since Audi’s engine factory is based in Germany, they have a tougher task in hiring personnel from rivals – since most other manufacturers are based in England.
Despite all this, Jonathan Wheatley’s squad has arrived to Australia in solid shape. This applies to both their engine and aerodynamic package.
Gabriel Bortoleto summarised things after concluding his Free Practice running:
“The car was feeling OK, honestly. FP1 was very solid, very smooth, not really big problems – no issues.
“Then in FP2 I suffered a little bit more with a couple of things we need to fix for tomorrow. Things that are a bit out of my hands and the team’s hands – it just happens.
“But I think that’s [what happens in] the beginning of a new regulation. We need to expect to suffer with these things, and then fix with time.
“Still, a very positive day for the team. Me and Nico understand a lot about our car, our power unit – obviously a huge amount of work ahead of us.”
Firmly in the midfield scrap
With Cadillac still finding their feet and Aston Martin constrained by an underperforming engine, Audi can look forward to making Q2 at the bare minimum.
Beyond this, other midfield outfits such as Williams are also encountering significant problems. In this turbulent environment, Audi are actually in a more stable position than most would have anticipated.
Bortoleto and teammate Nico Hulkenberg have both given reasonable positive feedback about the R26. Of course, this does not mean there is not room for improvement.
Moreover, when the Mercedes engine starts operating at full power, potential rivals Alpine and Williams stand to benefit.
In this sense, Audi recognise the road ahead is still a long one. Aside from strengthening their power unit division, recruiting the best minds to their design and technical team is also essential.
The team are likely to draw upon their best personnel from other racing series to meet this objective. As a result, the German outfit’s project is certainly one for the long-term.
Still, when turning towards the demands of early 2026, Audi should be well-equipped to fight in the midfield.