Audi’s debut season in Formula 1® has shown promising moments, but the team continues to face challenges, particularly with its power unit performance. While the car has demonstrated competitive pace, converting this into consistent points remains a key focus for Audi as it navigates its first year in the sport.
Entering the 2026 season, Audi undertook the complex task of building a new power unit from scratch while restructuring the former Sauber team. The debut race in Australia was a highlight, with Gabriel Bortoleto reaching Q3 and finishing ninth, unexpectedly scoring points. However, since then, neither Bortoleto nor Nico Hulkenberg have added to the tally, often finishing just outside the points in 11th or 12th place. The team’s progress has been affected by a combination of incidents and bad luck, including Hulkenberg’s penalty in Monaco and a rare mechanical failure in Barcelona caused by a stone hitting the emergency kill switch.
Allan McNish, who took over as Audi’s Racing Director in April, has acknowledged the frustration within the team but remains confident in their potential. He emphasises the strong pace the car has shown, particularly in qualifying, and the ongoing efforts to translate that speed into race results. Despite the setbacks, the team believes the foundation is solid for future improvement.
One of the main technical challenges Audi faces is the power unit, which is estimated to be about one second per lap slower than rival engines. Mattia Binotto, head of the project, has openly admitted this deficit. Although improvements have been made since the season started, the homologation rules limit the scope for hardware upgrades. As a result, Audi is focusing on optimising the current components and developing solutions for the mid- and long-term future.
Both drivers have noted that while the car is competitive within the midfield, it is not yet on par with the top teams. The chassis is regarded as strong, but the engine’s performance gap is a significant factor preventing race-winning potential. Bortoleto has specifically pointed out that the engine deficit is holding the team back from achieving better results, despite the solid chassis performance.
The season so far has highlighted the complexities of entering Formula 1® with a new power unit and the challenges of competing against established manufacturers. Audi’s experience underlines the importance of balancing technical development with race execution. While the team has shown flashes of speed and resilience, the focus remains on closing the power unit gap to enhance overall competitiveness.
