Audi's inaugural year as a Formula 1 works team has been anything but dull. Having taken over Sauber, Audi entered the 2026 season with drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, and expectations were naturally high. They kicked off with points in Australia but found themselves in a six-race dry spell soon after—a streak that coincided with Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley's departure. However, a series of upgrades before the summer break helped them secure top 10 finishes at Silverstone, Spa, and the Hungaroring, leaving them eighth in the Constructors' Championship with 12 points.
Best Finish
Gabriel Bortoleto has been the standout performer, securing P8 in both Britain and Belgium. Despite Hulkenberg's strong 2025 season, it's Bortoleto who has clinched 10 of Audi's 12 points, impressing with his consistency. His performance in Belgium was particularly noteworthy, managing a Q3 finish and handling Spa's demanding track with finesse. This was a significant moment for Audi, celebrated by over 500 of their employees who attended the race.
Qualifying Head-to-Head
In qualifying, Hulkenberg leads Bortoleto by a narrow margin of 6-5. Audi has made it to Q3 five times in their first 11 rounds, with Bortoleto achieving their best qualifying result in Belgium.
Race Head-to-Head
In races, Bortoleto is ahead, finishing in front of Hulkenberg in seven out of 11 Grands Prix. Hulkenberg has faced his share of misfortune, with three DNFs and a DNS in Australia. Bortoleto, on the other hand, has completed all races except for a DNS in China. Hulkenberg did, however, manage to outperform Bortoleto in Hungary, finishing P9.
Best Moment
Audi's best period came when they managed to score 10 points in three consecutive races, moving them up to eighth in the Constructors' standings. Bortoleto's back-to-back P8 finishes were a major boost for the team, and Hulkenberg finally scored points in Hungary after a string of bad luck.
Worst Moment
Hulkenberg's season took a bizarre turn in Barcelona when a piece of gravel from Liam Lawson's Racing Bull activated his car's kill switch, halting him abruptly. It was an unfortunate end to a promising weekend, as explained by Audi Racing Director Allan McNish.
Going Forward
The 2026 season was always going to be a building year for Audi, and halfway through, the project seems on track. Despite a rough patch, their recent form is encouraging. Hulkenberg and Bortoleto's partnership continues to be a strong point for the team. Audi's leadership remains optimistic, with plans to use the summer break to regroup and push forward in the latter half of the season. With foundational years ahead, Audi's long-term goal remains clear: to become world champions by 2030.
