Mixed Results for Audi Revolut F1 Team Debut

After months of speculation and anticipation, the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season is now in the books. The Audi Revolut F1 Team saw decidedly mixed results in the high attrition season opener.

The Audi cars had decent pace during the race weekend. We expected the cars to be roughly mid-pack, and that is basically what we saw. However, we also anticipated some teething problems for the new team, and we saw that as well.

Qualifying saw Gabriel Bortoleto make it into Q3 with a time of 1:20.221. Unfortunately, a technical issue prevented Bortoleto from taking part in the final qualifying session and he started the grand prix in P10. Nico Hulkenberg just missed the cut for Q3 with a time of 1:20.303 which was good enough for P11. However, that would mark the end of the weekend for the German driver.

On race day, Hulkenberg faced a technical issue and was not able to take part in the reconnaissance laps. As a result, he was going to have to start from pit lane. But the issue with the car was severe enough that it was eventually pushed back into the pits and never started the race.

Bortoleto ran a really solid race all day and spent most of the race just inside the top ten. He ended up P9, so he picked up two points for the Audi team in their first race. That is a solid start for the new team and a result they should be pleased with. It is just a shame that only one Audi was able to race.

As for the rest of the grid, it was pretty much what we expected. Mercedes finished P1 and P2 with Russell and Antonelli and Ferrari P3 and P4 with Leclerc and Hamilton. At the other end of the field, the Cadillac and Aston Martin teams were well off the pace.

As for the racing itself, it is only one race, but the first 10 laps saw some furious passing with Leclerc and Russell passing and repassing each other multiple times. We would love to see more of that type of action as the season goes on.

Round two is next week in China. Hopefully both Audi cars can take part in that race and collect more championship points as they collect more data.