WHERE AUDI'S MAIN FOCUS LIES AFTER A SEASON OF NEAR MISSES

Audi's 2026 F1 project, currently operating as Sauber, is zeroing in on power unit development as its main priority after a season of missed opportunities. While their debut saw Gabriel Bortoleto score points in Australia, the team has since finished P11 five times in six races, repeatedly knocking on the door of the top ten. Critical moments like Nico Hulkenberg's Monaco penalty or his Spain DNF due to an incredibly rare kill switch activation by a trackside stone have cost valuable points, masking their underlying pace.

The team's chassis shows promise, but the engine is a clear deficit. Head of the Audi F1 project, Mattia Binotto, admits the power unit could be costing the team over a second per lap on some tracks. While hardware is homologated, optimization is ongoing, and consistency has improved. Drivers Hulkenberg and Bortoleto confirm the chassis is competitive, but the engine needs significant gains. This focus is crucial as Audi builds towards its full factory entry, hoping to convert their strong chassis into consistent points and challenge the midfield frontrunners.