The 2026 Formula 1 season may still be weeks away, but for Audi it has already begun rolling in earnest. At the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the Audi Revolut F1 Team completed its first full multi-day on-track program with the new R26 chassis and Audi-developed hybrid power unit, marking the brand’s first comprehensive public step as a works F1 constructor.
Spread across three running days during the Barcelona Shakedown Week, the program served as a large-scale systems check — mechanical, electrical, operational, and human. Audi treated the week as both a vehicle test and a full rehearsal of its race team infrastructure, from pit equipment and procedures to coordination between trackside engineers and factory bases in Hinwil, Neuburg, and Bicester.
By the end of the week, the team had built steadily increasing mileage, culminating in a final day that delivered more than 140 laps shared between its two drivers. For a brand-new car and an all-new power unit program, that figure represents meaningful early progress.
EARLY CHALLENGES EXPECTED LESSONS
The first days of running exposed a series of teething issues. Audi encountered technical interruptions early in the week that limited track time, particularly on the opening day. However, these stoppages were treated as part of the learning curve rather than setbacks.
The team used the opportunity to validate core systems, refine integration between the chassis and its in-house power unit, and stress-test procedures under real circuit conditions. Correlation between track data and simulation tools became a major focus, with engineers prioritizing reliability, drivability, and energy management over outright pace.
Most of the issues discovered were described internally as typical “first run” findings — the sort that are far better uncovered in a controlled shakedown than during a race weekend. By the latter half of the test window, Audi was able to run more consistently.
DRIVERS BEGIN BUILDING FEEDBACK INFLOW
Both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto logged significant mileage in Barcelona, beginning the process of shaping the car’s development direction.
For Hülkenberg, the week was about system familiarization and long-run stability, helping the team understand how the new Audi power unit behaves across different deployment and regeneration scenarios. For Bortoleto, the focus included adapting to the 2026 regulations package while providing detailed feedback on drivability and energy delivery characteristics.
Both drivers worked through evolving run plans as the team resolved early technical issues, and by the end of the program Audi had gathered driver-in-the-loop data. That feedback now feeds directly into simulator work and factory-side development ahead of the next test.
MEASURED START AUDI VERSUS THE FIELD
While other teams also used Barcelona to begin their 2026 preparations, Audi’s situation is different. Unlike established manufacturers refining an existing architecture, Audi is simultaneously launching a new chassis concept, a new operational structure, and a brand-new Formula 1 power unit program.
Against that backdrop, simply achieving consistent late-week mileage is an important milestone. Where some rivals focused on expanding their run plans early, Audi’s emphasis was on validation. The approach reflects the reality of being both a constructor and a fresh power unit manufacturer under new regulations.
Rather than chasing early headlines, Audi’s Barcelona outing was about establishing a stable technical baseline — a platform from which performance can be layered once reliability and correlation are locked in.
NOW EYES ON BAHRAIN
With Barcelona complete, Audi’s attention shifts immediately to the first official pre-season test in Bahrain in mid-February. That event will present a different environment, with higher temperatures, different track characteristics and more structured comparative running across the grid.
Between now and then, the focus moves back to the factories. Engineers will analyze the volume of data gathered in Spain, refine software calibrations, improve component robustness and tighten workflows. Simulator sessions for both drivers will play a role in translating Barcelona findings into updated set-up directions and system strategies.
For Audi, getting the R26 through its first real-world test program and finishing the week with growing reliability marks a step forward in the brand’s journey.
TEAM QUOTES
Mattia Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project
“This shakedown week marked the beginning of our journey as Audi Revolut F1 Team and as a power unit manufacturer. Seeing the R26 hit the track for the first time on Day 1 was an emotional moment for all of us. There is still much to learn, but we leave Barcelona having gained a solid understanding of our new car and engine, and how they behave on track. The first day brought some challenges that slightly affected our running plans, but step by step we managed to get more laps, build mileage, and collect valuable data. The more we run, the more we learn, and the better feedback we can provide.
“Even though we know there is still room to grow and develop, this is a fantastic project and everyone is fully committed to it. Both drivers were able to put laps on the car, becoming familiar with the power unit, energy management, and drivability, and providing crucial feedback. We leave with a long list of items to work on, but that is a positive: it shows the team’s dedication and focus. I want to thank the whole team – trackside and back in Hinwil, Neuburg, and Bicester – for their effort, commitment, and motivation over these days. Now, we take what we have learned and push forward, aiming to make even more progress in Bahrain.”
Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Audi Revolut F1 Team
“After three meaningful days of running in Barcelona, I find myself pleased with the level of progress we’ve made this week as a team. This shakedown wasn’t just about running the car – it was also about putting our entire trackside operation to the test and integrating our chassis and powertrain personnel into one cohesive team. From reliability to logistics, operational procedures to pit equipment, everything was under scrutiny.
“Both drivers spent time in the R26 and their feedback will be invaluable in shaping future car development. We’ve encountered a few early challenges, but the way the team came together to find solutions has been impressive. It is exactly why these tests exist – to push ourselves and grow stronger – not just operationally, but as a team.
“We leave here with a focus on being in the best possible shape for the Bahrain test. With six more days of testing ahead, and the opportunity to present the car on track to the public for the first time, there’s a real sense of momentum and anticipation.
On a personal level, I want to thank everyone at the track, in Hinwil, Neuberg and Bicester for the enormous effort over the past weeks. This week was a critical milestone on our journey as a team, and we can be proud of the progress we have made together.”
James Key, Technical Director of Audi Revolut F1 Team
“Barcelona marked a significant step in our development journey as we ran the car through its first full test programme. We came here knowing it wouldn’t be a flawless week – there were still many firsts for us, with a brand-new car and power unit package, and extensive collaboration between Neuburg and Hinwil.
“As expected, we faced some early challenges, which is completely normal at this stage. They were all well understood and fixable. That said, we made clear and consistent progress as the week went on, and by the second half of the test, we were able to run more productively and begin extracting meaningful insights.
“This test was never about performance – it was about validating the fundamentals and ensuring our core systems are functioning reliably. In that regard, we’ve made good progress and now have a solid foundation to build on heading into Bahrain. Every lap completed is a step forward, and the work from both the trackside team and our colleagues in Neuburg and Hinwil has been instrumental in moving us forward.
“Well done to the entire team for their efforts this week.”
Nico Hulkenberg, Car #27
“Today was definitely our best day of the week – over 140 laps over both sessions. This gave us great mileage across all systems. This kind of running is really valuable at this stage, and we’ve taken away a lot of lessons that we’ll now review.
“With a new power unit and a lot of firsts, we expected a few bumps on the road and we worked through them well. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re making progress every day, learning and improving step by step.
“The team has done a great job, working hard and pulling in the same direction. Now it’s about going through all the data, a couple of sim and factory days, getting ready for Bahrain. Quick turnaround, but looking forward to being back in the car.”
Gabriel Bortoleto, Car #5
“Overall, it’s been a positive day of running on top of an encouraging testing week. Getting some solid laps in was a big step for me today, which shows the step forward we made from Day 1, when we had technical problems that cost us quite a bit of time. That’s what shakedown is about after all: putting the car on track, building mileage, and uncovering the small issues so that we can fix them and understand our car better. The team did a great job getting through the programme, and we are clearly moving in the right direction. Now, the focus shifts back to the factory to work on correlation and prepare for two weeks in Bahrain, where conditions will be completely different. There is still something to learn and improve, but this has been a strong starting point to build from.”
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