Allan McNish on Why Austria Was Audi's Best Weekend Yet
Despite missing out on points, Allan McNish believes Audi's performance in Austria was their best yet this season. The team showed notable progress with their upgrades at a power-dependent circuit, finishing just outside the top ten.
Allan McNish, Racing Director for Audi's Formula 1 team, has found a silver lining in the recent Austrian Grand Prix, where Audi finished just outside the points. While some might see their P11 and P12 finishes as a missed opportunity, McNish sees it as a promising sign of progress.
At the Red Bull Ring, a track known for its reliance on power units, Audi was aware of its limitations. Team Principal Mattia Binotto has openly acknowledged that the team's power unit is still a work in progress, lagging by about a second per lap at certain circuits. Despite this, the Audi duo of Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg managed to fend off most of the midfield competitors, falling behind only the Racing Bulls.
The performance was particularly encouraging given that the R26 cars ran without a hitch, a welcome change after a series of technical glitches in previous races. Audi's significant aerodynamic upgrades seemed to deliver on their promise, showing potential for circuits less reliant on sheer horsepower.
"Honestly, this was our best weekend so far," McNish remarked. "From practice to qualifying and through the race, we extracted the maximum from the car. Given the circuit's demands and our current capabilities, it was a big step forward."
Audi's power unit facility in Neuberg is buzzing with activity as they work on long-term improvements. McNish is optimistic but realistic about the timeline for these developments, noting that while some changes were implemented for Barcelona, more substantial gains will take time.
The team also made strides in improving their race starts, which had been a persistent weak spot. McNish praised both Bortoleto and Hulkenberg for their strong starts, acknowledging the challenges of refining this aspect with limited practice opportunities.
Looking ahead, McNish is optimistic about the upcoming race at Silverstone, a track he believes will suit Audi's strengths better than the power-hungry circuits like Austria. "Silverstone aligns more with a Barcelona-style layout," he said, hinting at a potentially stronger performance.
For Audi, the focus remains on maintaining and building upon this level of execution. As they continue to refine their package, the team hopes to capitalize on opportunities where their strengths can shine.