Audi's debut in the 2026 Formula 1 shakedown at Barcelona has been marked by reliability challenges, but technical director James Key insists they are all fixable. Drivers across teams are adjusting to the new regulations, including active aerodynamics and increased electrical power management. Lando Norris described running with the number 1 on his McLaren as a surreal experience during the productive session.
The 2026 Formula 1 pre-season shakedown at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya has provided teams with their first taste of the new regulations, behind closed doors. Audi, entering as a power unit manufacturer after acquiring Sauber, encountered several reliability hiccups early on. On Monday, rookie Gabriel Bortoleto managed only 27 laps due to a couple of problems that ended the session around 11:30am local time. Wednesday brought another setback when Nico Hulkenberg triggered a red flag before 10am from a hydraulic leak, though he recovered to complete 68 laps in the afternoon, gathering valuable data.
James Key, Audi's technical director, remained optimistic, stating, "This test is a prove-out test of a very new car for everyone of course, but particularly for us with a very new power unit as well, the first Audi power unit, so this is all about reliability and getting the fundamentals figured out." He emphasized that the issues, including the hydraulic leak—a basic fix—were expected and not surprising. "Had we run faultlessly from the outset, that would have been a very pleasant surprise," Key added. The team aims to complete essential laps to provide track data for their Neuburg power unit development, focusing on energy recovery strategies for the '26 car.
Across the paddock, drivers highlighted the increased workload from the 2026 rules. The cars feature less downforce, active aerodynamics with multiple activation zones usable every lap, and a push-to-pass Overtake Mode replacing DRS. Managing 350 kW from the MGU-K adds tactical depth to energy deployment. Liam Lawson noted, "It feels like there's a lot more we can do as drivers potentially to make a difference, which is good." Andrea Kimi Antonelli called it "still doable," requiring more management but adaptable.
McLaren's Lando Norris, sporting the number 1 for the first time as reigning champion, completed a productive day. "It’s unbelievable... pretty surreal still," he said of seeing the number on his car and suit. The MCL40 felt different—slower in corners but quicker to 340-350 km/h—with new battery and power unit complexities. Norris stressed the shakedown's role in understanding the car: "Today was really just a first understanding of the whole car."
FIA's Nikolas Tombazis acknowledged the subjective nature of driver workload, saying, "What one driver may think is totally okay for him, maybe for another driver, it’s not totally okay." The governing body plans to monitor feedback from this and upcoming Bahrain testing. Pirelli's Mario Isola reported positive initial results from the shakedown, describing it as super useful.
