P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi’s first pre-season test was impacted by some reliability woes as Mattia Binotto highlighted the “longest list” the team is facing.
Audi’s chief, Mattia Binotto, expressed concerns over the extensive list of issues the team must address following the Barcelona pre-season shakedown.
During their first F1 pre-season test, Audi encountered problems with the R26 machine, resulting in interruptions for drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Audi is the sole team with its own in-house power unit on the 2026 grid, collecting double the data as they power both Red Bull and Racing Bulls, compared to Red Bull Powertrains.
Binotto is hopeful that the team can resolve the identified issues before the Bahrain tests in February but acknowledges the magnitude of the challenges faced.
Despite the setbacks, Binotto praised the team’s commitment to addressing and improving upon the identified issues to arrive at the Bahrain tests in better condition.
The Audi team is focused on leaving no detail unattended, highlighting the significant work ahead to enhance performance and reliability for the upcoming season.
