Audi identified starts as the main obstacle to the team’s performance in the 2026 season Fórmula 1. The project leader, Mattia Binotto, highlighted that the problem affects both Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg and does not present a simple or immediate solution. The German manufacturer intends to dedicate the interval between races to analyze and correct the reliability flaws that compromised the initial positions on the grid.
Despite the good pace shown in the qualifying sessions, the Audi drivers lost several positions right at the start. In the Japão GP, held in Suzuka, Bortoleto started in ninth place after reaching Q3, but fell to 15th place in the first lap. Hülkenberg started from 13th place and fell to 19th, recovering only a few positions throughout the race to finish 11th.
Analysis of the starts in the GP of Japão
Gabriel Bortoleto maintained a competitive performance for most of the race in Suzuka. The Brazilian driver managed to stay in the middle of the field and avoided major incidents after the compromised start. The team assesses that, without the initial loss of positions, the result could have been different in terms of points.
Nico Hülkenberg also showed recovery throughout the laps. The German advanced from 19th place to 11th, being just over a second away from the points zone. The two drivers reported specific difficulties in the initial acceleration of the Audi car.
- The problem with the starts was repeated in previous races of the season.
- The team recorded good overall reliability of the single-seater during the Japanese race.
- Binotto emphasized that both cars completed the race without serious mechanical failures.
Statements from Mattia Binotto regarding the technical challenge
Mattia Binotto explained that failure to start is not something obvious to resolve and requires in-depth investigation. The director reinforced that the team treats this issue as a top priority at the current moment in the championship. The focus during the non-racing period will be dedicated to correcting aspects related to power unit reliability.
Audi’s F1 project leader also commented on the team’s overall progress. Apesar difficulties in leaving the grid, the automaker is observing developments in other sectors of the car. Binotto indicated that development work remains intensive to minimize losses in the first round.
Impact on driver positions
Bortoleto repeated the pattern seen in the Austrália GP, where he also reached Q3 but struggled with the start. Em Suzuka, the Brazilian was unable to recover the ground lost in the opening laps. The team recognizes that good performance in qualifying needs to be translated into better results in the race.
Hülkenberg completed the race in 11th place after a solid recovery. The German veteran highlighted that a normal start would allow him to fight for points. The two drivers agree that evolution in this specific aspect is fundamental for the Audi’s advancement in the season.
Technical details and next steps for the team
Audi investigates characteristics of the power unit that can influence behavior at the start. Especialistas team analyze telemetry data collected from Suzuka to identify the exact factors. The break between stages allows for more in-depth work without the immediate pressure of racing.
Binotto has taken on additional team leadership roles recently. Ele reinforces that the priority remains on solving bad starts. The automaker seeks to balance the development of the car with correcting these recurring problems.
Reliability demonstrated in Suzuka
For the first time this season, both Audi cars completed the race without significant mechanical problems. Essa mark represents an improvement compared to the initial stages, when failures prevented drivers from lining up on the grid. The team uses this data as a basis for future optimizations.
The good pace in training and classifications indicates competitive potential. Audi aims to maintain this level of performance while correcting the starts. Engineers dedicate efforts to integrate improvements without compromising other areas of the single-seater.
The German team continues to analyze overall performance under race conditions. The data from Suzuka serves as a reference for adjustments that benefit both Bortoleto and Hülkenberg. The objective is to transform the potential shown in the qualifying sessions into more consistent results throughout the races.