Pressure testing

They say that a week in motorsport is a long time, so the memories of Barcelona two weeks ago and the official Berlin launch event in January almost feel like ancient history. The first test session in Bahrain and open to the world’s press provided completely different conditions to those experienced in the private shakedown in Barcelona where rain and low temperatures were the name of the game.

At the International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain, the Audi Revolut F1 Team encountered very different conditions, with extremely high track and ambient temperatures as well as often windy conditions.

The 5.412 kilometres circuit is one of the most challenging on the Formula 1 calendar, making it the perfect venue for teams to test ahead of the season getting underway. 

The three day outing provided numerous insights into how the Audi R26 behaves in numerous scenarios, trialling different fuel loads and setups under the constantly changing conditions. It also provided drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg more opportunities to come to grips with the car and the different characteristics that result from the rule changes this year, completing a significant 354 laps of the Sakhir circuit, covering nearly 2000km (1915.85km).

“Our three-day test in Bahrain was a productive and encouraging step forward for the team,” said Audi Revolut F1 Team Principal, Jonathan Wheatley at the end of the session.

“We completed over 600 kilometres each day, which is a strong indication of the car’s early reliability and a testament to all the hard work and dedication behind the scenes.”

“Beyond the mileage, we gathered valuable insights into the behaviour of the car and how our systems are operating under live conditions. Operationally, this test was an important validation of our procedures, and we’ve seen clear progress in communication, execution, and cross-team coordination.

“The next phase is about recovery, refinement and ensuring that we are fully prepared for the remaining test days. There’s still work to be done, but the foundations we’re building now will be critical for the season ahead,” he said.

For the drivers too, the first outing in Bahrain provided invaluable time in the cars with the opening race of the season in Melbourne, now just three weeks away.

“There’s been a lot to take in – testing different setups, exploring the car, running through various power unit settings. It’s been full-on, but we’ve gathered a huge amount of info over the three days,” Nico Hulkenberg said of the intensive three days.

“Now it’s about taking a few days to digest and analyse everything, piece it all together, and prepare the next steps for the final test.” 

Teammate Gabriel Bortoleto was likewise enthusiastic about the session:

“Overall, it’s been a positive, productive few days of testing for the team,” the Brazilian driver said at the conclusion of testing.

“We gathered a great amount of valuable data and learned much more about our car and how to really maximise its potential – something to work on before we hit the track again in a few days. I am looking forward to next week, to bring the whole package together, put in some more strong laps, and finally start turning all the hard work into reality.”

There will be precious little time to sit back and analyse all of the data collected in the first testing session before the Audi Revolut Formula 1 team returns to in Bahrain over the coming weekend for the final intensive few days of testing before the cars and equipment are loaded for the trip Down Under to Melbourne. Here in early March (6 - 8 March) the motorsport world will turn its attention to the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit for the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season and the running of the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX.