While it may be Audi F1 Team’s maiden appearance at the 2026 F1 Barcelona shakedown, Nico Hülkenberg is no stranger to pre-season testing. The German driver will be entering his 13th full-time season in Formula 1 in 2026, driving for Audi F1 Team. He expressed his confidence in the team for the campaign following the Barcelona shakedown.
Audi’s first appearance at the 2026 F1 Barcelona shakedown
Audi F1 Team will be making its official debut in 2026 after completing its rebrand of the Sauber team. Amid the major overhaul, another significant change is the switch of power unit suppliers. Sauber has used Ferrari Formula 1 engines under a long-term customer relationship. However, this concluded with the team’s 2025 challenger, the C45. From the 2026 season onwards, Audi F1 Team will instead use its own power unit.
The German manufacturer did not have the debut on track they had hoped for at the 2026 Barcelona shakedown, with both drivers being restricted to fewer than 100 laps over the first two test days. It was also recorded that the R26 had caused a couple of red flags on track. This made it evident that there were still several technical issues on the power unit side.
Final day thoughts
Hülkenberg concluded the 2026 Barcelona shakedown with a good amount of laps completed in the R26 and ample data for the team to work with. The German driver admitted that the final day of the shakedown was significantly more productive than early in the week. He shared that the team was able to cover more mileage, and they were also able to identify other issues that the team will be working to address.
“Yeah, I think it was certainly one of our better days or our best days, best day here this week. More than 140 laps, some good mileage for the car and for all the components and on the PU side, you know, it’s important for us to get that sort of mileage, you know, many lessons there again, you know, that we’re obviously analysed now and reflect, so yeah, a lot of info to digest next week and reflect on and then obviously regroup and go again in Bahrain.”
An overall productive week
When asked about the team’s overall performance at the 2026 Barcelona shakedown, Hülkenberg described the sessions as productive. Despite the team’s initial struggles in the week, Audi seemed to have found their rhythm towards the end. The German emphasised the team’s brief time on track while sharing his thoughts on Audi’s progression throughout the week.
“Yeah, I think, you know, for first timers, new power unit, of course we knew, you know, there’s going to be, it’s going to be bumpy, there’s going to be issues but, you know, we worked through them and we’ll continue to do so but I think all in all, yeah, positive week. Like I said, I think we’re obviously just at the beginning, you know, many, many findings and learnings, you know, day by day as we go but it’s been good.”
Racing with Borteleto
On the other side of the garage is Gabriel Bortoleto. Hülkenberg will be racing alongside the Brazilian driver for the second consecutive season in Audi. When asked about their working relationship, Hülkenberg was quick to speak on his positive relationship with Bortoleto both on and off track. He is confident that their partnership will help push the team in the right direction.
“Yeah, totally, you know, the working relationship and, you know, the relationship off-track also is really good. We share absolutely everything, you know, in the interest of the team and, you know, also for our own sakes, you know, to push each other, to help each other, you know, we’re working as one force and it’s very enjoyable but, you know, it’s us two and everyone else, obviously, as well and, yeah, interesting times, exciting days and a lot of moving pieces.”
Looking forward to Bahrain
The next time the Formula 1 cars will be on track is at the 2026 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain. The teams will be looking to use the data collected from the Barcelona shakedown to adjust and improve their cars ahead of pre-season testing. Audi F1 Team is no exception; Hülkenberg is looking forward to dissecting the data with the team and getting back on track in Bahrain.
“A lot of that, actually, but it’s not too bad. We have a full week, you know, of digesting it, obviously, a couple of factory days and stuff next week. So, yeah, look forward to that and then, obviously, in, I don’t know, 10 days time or something like that, off to Bahrain.”
