After the recent Japanese Grand Prix, Audi F1 Team has been struggling; both drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have mentioned the start struggles.
With brand new regulations, Audi chose a more difficult era to join Formula 1. The question arises as to where we can expect to see the Audi F1 Team. Can they keep up with the other midfield teams, or will they be trailing behind as backmarkers?
In a print media session at the 2026 Japanese GP, Nico Hülkenberg shared his insights about Audi’s competitiveness and current difficulties.
Reliability issues were to be expected
With the German driver Nico Hülkenberg, Audi has an experienced F1 driver in their team. He joined Formula 1 in 2010.
That experience is something Audi needs to keep improving in the right direction. “I think we’re competitive within the midfield, definitely,” said Hülkenberg confidently after Gabriel Bortoleto finished P9 in Australia. “We’ve had a few examples of that now.
“But like many other teams up and down the grid, there is work to do on the reliability side, on the power unit side, on performance and drivability. But, to be honest, it was to be expected. On the power unit side we’re a new team, a new manufacturer. We’re the only ones. So it all probably takes a bit more time than when you have four, six cars.”
Since Audi is the only new engine maker and manufacturer on the 2026 F1 grid, it takes time to develop the perfect car explained Hülkenberg. It is a — so to say — learning by having experiences.
It is no surprise for anyone that they have certain technical issues so far.
“But I think all in all we’re not in a bad position, with where we are, with the kind of difficulties we’re still carrying around and living with. It gives me hope that if we get on top of our issues and have a strong development this year, that there is a lot of opportunity ahead,” Hülkenberg shared optimistically.
“Having said that, I think that’s the case for many teams. And if you see up and down the pit lane, there was a lot of cars, a lot of different teams with difficulties and issues.”
Hülkenberg positive about Audi’s progress in F1
It is important for any F1 team that they understand and find problems quickly and try to fix them.
Does Audi know where their issues lie? “We do. We do,” confirmed the German. “Fixing it is not always that easy and sometimes maybe also not that quick,” he added.
“So it’s just work in progress and working through it, really,” underlined the 38-year-old.
Fortunately for the team, the 2025 British GP podium finisher claimed that the people back in the factory in Neuburg are already working on the issues.
“But Neuburg has been really on it, sharp, reactive, very responsive. It’s been quite impressive, actually. But, yeah, further work ahead, like always,” concluded Audi’s F1 driver Nico Hülkenberg.
