Audi's team principal Jonathan Wheatley has voiced pride in the team's early achievements during the first pre-season test in Bahrain. He highlighted the ambition, boldness, and creativity shown in their preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto completed numerous laps as the team tested various systems.
Audi is preparing for its debut in Formula 1 after acquiring the former Kick Sauber team and developing its own power unit under the new 2026 regulations. The team's efforts intensified at the Bahrain International Circuit for the inaugural pre-season test, following an initial shakedown run of their 2026 car in Barcelona.
Wheatley noted a smoother operation compared to the Barcelona session. "I’m encouraged that you’ve noticed that from the outside, because certainly internally, we’ve brought together these two groups of very, very talented people, chassis and powertrain, trying to knit them into a team in what’s been a very short winter," he said. He emphasized that the team had limited time for integration, without even basic team-building activities.
By the end of the Bahrain test, Wheatley observed improvements in internal operations and communication. The team faced high-pressure situations and addressed targeted areas identified the previous year. "It’s starting to really look like how an F1 team should operate inside the garage, at least," he added.
Beyond the car, the test evaluated logistics, air freight, personnel movement, garage operations, and driver communication. With more engineers present than at races, coordinating input for daily run plans proved challenging. Wheatley credited recent structural changes in engineering and operations for fostering cohesion.
Audi introduced a visible upgrade package, including new bodywork, which drew attention in the paddock and received positive feedback from Hulkenberg. The team passed crash tests, was the first to track-run, operated a new powertrain in Barcelona, and debuted new aerodynamics in Bahrain.
"I think I’m almost proud of where we are," Wheatley stated. "It shows the ambition of the team. I think also it shows the boldness and creativity, because nobody else has come up with this solution." He stressed the team's seriousness while maintaining humility about their starting position.
