P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi’s Formula 1 duo Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto must wait a bit longer to try out the 2026 car on the simulator, with their team deliberately holding back first runs
Audi’s Formula 1 drivers Hulkenberg and Bortoleto are waiting to try out the 2026 car on the simulator, as the team is delaying their first runs deliberately. Audi, gearing up for its F1 entry in the next season, is taking a unique approach to sim preparations compared to other manufacturer teams. While many teams have already put their race drivers in the simulator to test early models of the 2026 challengers, Audi is holding back. Hulkenberg mentioned that the team is still evolving their models rapidly and wants to avoid giving false impressions to their drivers. The logistical challenges of finding time for simulator testing, combined with the rapidly changing car design, are prompting Audi to hold back their drivers’ first runs. Sauber’s sporting director also highlighted the risk of showing the drivers a model that may soon become irrelevant due to ongoing developments.
