Audi boss reveals that unstable engine causes car to lose a second in F1 2026

Audi admitted that it faces severe difficulties with the performance of its new power unit in the 2026 Fórmula 1 season. The team’s interim boss, Mattia Binotto, detailed that the technical problems are costing around one second per lap compared to direct competitors. The diagnosis highlights deficiencies in critical areas such as energy efficiency and the integration of electronic systems under the new category regulations.

The current scenario puts the German team in a defensive position after the first three stages of the championship. With only two points gained so far, the team occupies eighth place in the constructors’ table. The structure, which inherited the legacy of the former Sauber, tries to accelerate development to correct design flaws that directly affect the performance of Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto and his teammate.

Technical deficiencies and impact on drivability

Detailed analysis by Binotto reveals that the problem is not limited to just the raw power generated by the thermal unit. The Italian driver highlighted that the car’s drivability is compromised by sudden transitions during gear changes, which creates instability both when braking and when accelerating out of a corner. Essa mechanical harshness prevents drivers from extracting the maximum potential of the chassis, making the single-seater unpredictable on circuits with high technical demands.

According to the technical management of Audi, the main points of attention at the moment are:

• Efficiency in the recovery and distribution of electrical energy;
• Smooth gear changes and torque mapping;
• Configuration of transmission ratios for the new regulation;
• Rear axle stability during speed reductions;
• Software integration to optimize fuel consumption.

The sum of these factors results in a considerable loss of time. Binotto stated that, when the pure performance of the engine and the difficulty of control on the part of the pilot are weighed, the chronometric loss reaches the mark of one second per lap. Esse gap is considered immense by Fórmula 1 standards, where tenths of a second usually separate the middle of the pack from the top teams.

Challenges of the new regulation and safety

The entry of Audi into the category coincided with one of the biggest technical changes in the history of F1, with more electrified engines and focused on sustainability. Partir from scratch in building a complex power unit proved to be a greater challenge than anticipated by the Neuburg factory. The German automaker faces the learning curve common to new manufacturers, but the level of competitiveness of the 2026 season has not left room for initial calibration errors.

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The topic of new engines also gained a safety profile after the accident involving Oliver Bearman in Grande Prêmio of Japão. The force of the impact and the behavior of electrical systems under extreme stress led Federação Internacional of Automobilismo (FIA) to call emergency meetings with team leaders. Audi, while focused on resolving its own lack of performance, actively participates in these discussions to ensure that future updates do not compromise the integrity of competitors.

Mattia Binotto had already signaled at the beginning of the month that the power unit would be the “Aquiles heel” of the project in this first year. The Italian, who does not intend to continue accumulating the role of team leader permanently, focuses his efforts on restructuring the technical department. The expectation is that a package of software updates can mitigate some of the harshness in gear changes ahead of the European stages of the calendar, although deep fixes to the engine architecture can only be implemented in the long term.

Prospects for the development of the season

The situation of Audi contrasts with the performance of other smaller teams, such as Haas, which has consolidated itself as the main force in the midfield at the beginning of the year. Para Gabriel Bortoleto, the challenge is to maintain consistency while the team searches for solutions in the simulators and on the test benches at Alemanha. The technical team works double shifts to refine the engine mapping, trying to reduce the instability that has hampered tire management during races.

Despite the critical tone in recent statements, Audi management maintains confidence in the long-term project. The internal understanding is that the current difficulties are part of a natural maturation process. However, the pressure for immediate results increases as the brand seeks to consolidate its global image through success on the track. The next step will be crucial to assess whether small changes to gear ratios and power distribution will have an immediate effect on the chronometer.