New PU manufacturer names 'long list of fixes' on hand after first pre-season test

Audi have replaced Sauber ahead of the 2026 F1 season, looking to build on the foundations of last year, with Audi retaining both Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg for this season, as well as Jonathan Wheatley remaining as Team Principal, working closely with Binotto.

Binotto is the Head of the Audi F1 project, having overseen the Germans' F1 efforts since 2024. Audi managed to attend the first official pre-season test, the Barcelona shakedown, but caused two red flags on two different days.

Speaking about seeing the Audi out on track, Binotto stated: "First, I think, emotional - because it's the very first official testing for Audi in F1. For us, it's the beginning of our experience as a team, as a power unit manufacturer. I would sum up that there is a lot to learn and we are learning a lot."

Binotto continued: "Some mileage done, some laps done and the valuable data gathered for the team. The more we run, the more we learn. I think we're at that stage."

The fastest lap from Audi across the whole test, came from Nico Hulkenberg on the final day of testing. The German reportedly set a 1:19.870, just a few tenths quicker than team-mate Bortoleto. These lap times ensured that Audi gathered crucial data before the next test in Bahrain.

Speaking ahead of the Bahrain tests, Binotto stated: "It's a lot of work, it's a lot of work for the entire team. Fixing all the problems, design, operational, whatever we have seen. So it's really for us, no stone unturned, we need all the details to be managed and fixed. We have got a very long list, a very very long list. I've never seen such a long list. But it's great because the team is really committed, willing to improve and to come to Bahrain in better shape."