Audi's F1 debut hits early snags in first winter test, but Bortoleto sees progress

Audi's first official Formula 1 test was punctuated by reliability issues that limited running, but rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto struck an optimistic tone, emphasizing the value of the data collected and the team's forward direction.

Why it matters:

As a new works team entering the sport with immense expectations, Audi's initial on-track reliability is a critical first benchmark. Early hiccups are common for new projects, but how the team diagnoses and responds to these problems sets the tone for its competitive readiness ahead of a landmark debut season.

The details:

• The team's RS26 car stopped on track twice during the shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, restricting laps for both Bortoleto and teammate Nico Hülkenberg.
• Bortoleto described the overall test as "positive," noting the team managed to complete a productive run of approximately 50 laps after resolving initial issues.
• The Brazilian driver framed the problems as an expected part of a shakedown, whose primary goal is to identify and fix such gremlins before more rigorous testing begins.
• He highlighted the importance of simply getting mileage on the new car and power unit, calling it a crucial starting point for understanding the package.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the next and final phase of pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 11-13. This will be Audi's last chance to gather performance data and verify reliability fixes under more representative conditions before the season opener in Australia. The team's ability to execute a clean, comprehensive test in Bahrain will be a major indicator of its preparedness for the 2026 campaign.