Audi Revolut F1 Team: Key Takeaways From Bahrain Testing Week 1

[Source: Revolut F1 Team]

The Audi Revolut F1 Team wrapped up a productive first week of 2026 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, continuing to build momentum with its the R26 racecar. Following an initial shakedown in Barcelona two weeks ago, the three days in Bahrain gave the team valuable track time to better understand the car’s behavior and performance.

Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg combined for 118 laps on the final day, bringing the team’s total to 354 laps over three days for a total of nearly 1,916 kilometers (1,191 miles) of running. With crucial data now in hand, Audi will return to the Sakhir circuit next week for the final three days of pre-season testing under the lights, before the 2026 Formula 1 season officially begins.

The team continues to make progress gathering data. “Beyond the mileage, we gathered valuable insights into the behavior 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,” said Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Audi Revolut F1 Team.

Both drivers echoed the same thoughts. “Now it’s about taking a few days to digest and analyze everything, piece it all together, and prepare the next steps for the final test,” said Hülkenberg. “Overall, it’s been a positive, productive few days of testing for the team. We gathered a great amount of valuable data and learned much more about our car and how to really maximize its potential,” said Bortoleto.

The first race of the season is now just three weeks away. We have to temper our expectations, but we are excited to see the R26 in race conditions. It won’t be much longer now.