Audi Tested New Car Specs at Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto evaluated a new vehicle package during Friday practice sessions.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Motorsports
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Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto participated in practice sessions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. The team focused on collecting data for a new car specification throughout the sessions.
Why it matters
The team needed to analyze data from a new car package to refine vehicle performance and competitiveness. This testing process is crucial for evaluating upgrades against previous car configurations.
Drivers evaluated different vehicle configurations across two practice sessions, with Nico Hulkenberg testing a previous specification in FP1 before transitioning to new parts in FP2. Gabriel Bortoleto completed the sessions while reporting a noticeable lack of grip.
The players
Nico Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg is a professional Formula 1 driver who drove the previous car specification in FP1 and tested new parts during FP2.
Gabriel Bortoleto
Gabriel Bortoleto is an Audi driver who participated in practice sessions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The details
Drivers switched between varying car specifications to allow the team to compare the new package against established baselines. The team will analyze the data collected in Baku overnight to adjust settings for Saturday.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Article publication date.
September 25, 2026: Team plans to use analyzed data to improve car performance.
Season Trajectory
This testing cycle follows the ongoing development efforts mandated for teams competing under the 2026 FIA Formula 1 technical regulations. The team is currently working to bridge the performance gap identified by the drivers to improve their standing for the remainder of the season.
The team will use the data collected in Baku to finalize vehicle setups and component configurations for the upcoming qualifying rounds. Drivers must adapt to the handling characteristics of the new package, as seen with the grip issues reported by Gabriel Bortoleto.
The takeaway
Effective data collection during practice sessions is essential for teams looking to optimize new parts before competitive sessions. Consistent driver feedback remains a critical component in identifying mechanical weaknesses like grip issues.
Further reading
For more on developments in the field, visit Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pit Pass.
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