Audi showed promising signs during the Friday practice sessions at the Hungaroring ahead of the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, suggesting the team could be in a position to challenge Racing Bulls in the midfield battle. Drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg posted competitive times, reflecting steady progress for the manufacturer.
Gabriel Bortoleto finished sixth in the first practice session and eleventh in the second, noting some difficulties with tyre grip and balance during FP2. Despite these challenges, Bortoleto has scored points in the previous two races and expressed confidence that Audi is advancing well enough to compete closely with Racing Bulls. Nico Hulkenberg also contributed positively, finishing eighth and ninth in the two sessions respectively, helping Audi gather valuable data and test new upgrades.
Audi’s Technical Director James Key highlighted that the Hungaroring circuit suits the characteristics of their car. He emphasized that fine details in setup and performance will be crucial for scoring points, and that a strong qualifying position could help the team maintain their place during the race. The team used Friday’s sessions to evaluate new upgrades, aiming to refine their package further for the weekend.
Bortoleto’s performance, including his recent points finishes, underlines Audi’s potential to close the gap to their midfield rivals. While the team still faces challenges with tyre behaviour and balance, the data collected during practice sessions provides a foundation for further improvements. Hulkenberg’s consistent top-10 times also contribute to a positive outlook for Audi’s weekend.
The technical team’s assessment that the circuit aligns well with the car’s strengths suggests Audi could capitalize on this track’s demands. However, as James Key noted, success will depend on attention to detail and the ability to translate qualifying performance into race pace. The team’s focus remains on optimizing their setup to challenge Racing Bulls effectively.
Overall, Audi’s Friday sessions at the Hungarian Grand Prix demonstrated encouraging progress. The combination of competitive lap times, ongoing upgrades, and a track suited to their car’s characteristics provides a platform for the team to aim for strong midfield results. The comments from Bortoleto and Key reflect a measured optimism based on tangible improvements rather than speculative expectations.
