P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi raised eyebrows on the first day of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Audi made a bold statement at the F1 pre-season test in Bahrain by introducing drastically different sidepods compared to their previous design.
The new sidepods on the R26 are narrower and more vertical, departing from the conventional inlets seen during the launch and in Barcelona.
This update drew attention and sparked comparisons with Mercedes’ infamous ‘zeropods’ concept from the 2022 season.
In addition to the sidepods, Audi also unveiled a new front wing design during the Bahrain tests.
F1 2026 cars are expected to undergo further changes before the season kicks off in Melbourne on 8 March.
The ongoing pre-season tests will provide valuable insights into each team’s performance and innovations, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
