Audi’s debut as a works team in the 2026 Formula 1® season has been marked by steady progress amid early challenges. After taking over Sauber, the German manufacturer entered the championship with drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, aiming to establish a solid foundation for future growth.
The team scored points in the opening race in Australia but then experienced a six-race stretch without adding to their tally. During this period, Audi also saw a significant change in leadership with the departure of Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley. However, upgrades introduced before the summer break helped the squad secure top-10 finishes at Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and the Hungaroring. At the halfway point of the season, Audi sits eighth in the Constructors' Championship with 12 points.
Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto has been the main contributor to Audi’s points haul, scoring 10 of the 12 points and delivering notable eighth-place finishes in Britain and Belgium. His qualifying performance and race pace at Spa stood out, particularly his ability to manage tyre degradation effectively. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg holds a slight edge in qualifying head-to-heads with a 6-5 lead over Bortoleto but trails 4-7 in race finishes. Hulkenberg’s campaign has been hampered by reliability issues, including three retirements and a non-start, as well as an unusual incident in Barcelona where a piece of gravel triggered his car’s kill switch, ending his race prematurely.
Despite these setbacks, both drivers have demonstrated strong teamwork and complementary skills, contributing to the team’s gradual improvement. Audi Racing Director Allan McNish expressed optimism about the second half of the season, noting the positive momentum gained from recent races. Mattia Binotto, who leads Audi’s Formula 1® project, described 2026 and 2027 as foundational years, with the team targeting a world championship challenge by 2030.
The progress made so far reflects Audi’s focus on building a competitive platform rather than immediate championship contention. Upgrades introduced before the summer break have helped the team become more consistent in scoring points, while ongoing reliability improvements remain a priority, especially for Hulkenberg. Bortoleto’s performances have highlighted the potential within the driver lineup, balancing experience and youth.
As the season moves beyond its halfway point, Audi continues to develop its Formula 1® programme with a clear long-term vision. The recent results and upgrades suggest the team is gaining valuable experience and laying the groundwork for future competitiveness, aligning with the cautious but positive outlook shared by its leadership.