Audi Nearly Steals Points in Wild, Rain-Soaked Bahrain Grand Prix

[Source: Audi Revolut F1 Team]

You can’t spell Bahrain without rain. Formula 1’s return to Malaysia delivered exactly the sort of unpredictable race you might expect when a monsoon arrives just before the start. For the Audi Revolut F1 Team, the chaos nearly produced another points finish, with Nico Hülkenberg running in the points before ultimately crossing the line in 11th. Gabriel Bortoleto endured a much more difficult afternoon and finished 18th.

Heavy rain battered the Sepang International Circuit as the cars headed to the grid, delaying the start and creating a difficult tire decision. Roughly half the field chose intermediates while the other half gambled on slicks. Audi initially opted for dry tires for both cars but changed course at the end of the formation lap, bringing Hülkenberg and Bortoleto in for intermediates. It proved to be the right call and helped move both cars forward.

From there, Hülkenberg quietly worked his way into contention. The veteran German stayed out of trouble as the race became increasingly chaotic and eventually found himself running ninth during the closing stages.

Another Safety Car, triggered by Alex Albon’s retirement, set up a frantic finish. Trouble for George Russell and Lando Norris at the restart added even more opportunities, but Hülkenberg couldn’t quite capitalize. Norris eventually made his way past, and Arvid Lindblad followed on the final lap, knocking the Audi out of the points and leaving Hülkenberg 11th.

“It was an eventful race, and overall, we were in the fight for points but ultimately finished P11 again,” Hülkenberg said. He acknowledged that circumstances ahead helped put Audi into contention, but called it a clean race with plenty for the team to learn.

A Tougher Day for Bortoleto

Bortoleto’s chances effectively disappeared following contact with Carlos Sainz during the restart from the first Safety Car. The incident damaged both his front wing and floor, forced an additional pit stop, and earned the Audi driver a 10-second penalty. Bortoleto later apologized to Sainz and admitted the mistake compromised both of their races. He eventually brought his damaged R26 home in 18th.

For Audi, the result is simultaneously encouraging and frustrating. Racing Director Allan McNish believes the team made the right strategy and tire decisions, but for the second consecutive race Audi lost a potential points finish in the closing stages of the race. Still, being disappointed with 11th because you spent the afternoon fighting inside the top 10 isn’t the worst problem for a first-year Formula 1 team to have. Audi gets another opportunity almost immediately. Next stop: Singapore.