Audi's first F1 power unit hits expected reliability snags in Barcelona test

Audi's debut Formula 1 power unit encountered reliability issues during its first on-track test in Barcelona, but Technical Director James Key says the problems were anticipated and part of the crucial learning process for the new 2026 project. The team managed to recover valuable mileage after initial delays, focusing on gathering fundamental data for the complex new hybrid system.

Why it matters:

As a new power unit manufacturer entering F1 under radically different 2026 regulations, Audi's initial shakedown is less about performance and more about establishing a baseline of reliability and system integration. Any significant issues discovered now are far preferable to failures at the first race, making this a critical stress test for the team's long-term competitiveness.

The details:

• The three-day Barcelona test saw Audi's running curtailed by multiple stoppages. Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto completed only 27 laps on the first day after technical issues, while Nico Hülkenberg caused a red flag on Wednesday morning.
• Technical Director James Key characterized the problems as "fixable" fundamental issues, including a hydraulic leak, rather than deep-seated design flaws.
• The team rebounded in the afternoon session on Wednesday, with Hülkenberg completing 68 laps to gather essential data.
• Key emphasized that the test's primary goal was reliability validation and data collection for the all-new power unit and gearbox, which have no prior track reference.

The big picture:

Audi's entry represents one of the biggest technical gambles of the 2026 regulation cycle. The German manufacturer is developing its first F1 power unit internally while simultaneously taking over the Sauber team operations. The Barcelona test is the first real-world integration of these complex systems, which feature a greater emphasis on electrical energy recovery. Key's pragmatic stance—that a faultless run would have been a "very pleasant surprise"—underscores the immense challenge of starting from scratch in F1's hybrid era.

What's next:

The team aims for a productive final day of testing to complete its core reliability program before shifting focus to performance optimization. The data gathered will be vital for engineers at Audi's Neuberg base to begin fine-tuning energy recovery strategies and other complex systems unique to the 2026 formula. With the season opener in Melbourne as the next major milestone, resolving these early teething problems is essential for building a platform to eventually challenge established rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari.