Audi surprised by failing to advance past Q1 during qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite a significant aerodynamic upgrade to the R26 car, the team reported.
Drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg were eliminated in 17th and 18th positions, a notable underperformance for a team that had regularly placed in the top 10 this season.
Bortoleto expressed confusion over these results, citing a lack of grip throughout the weekend and difficulties with straight-line speed, despite perceived improvements during Thursday’s testing. He emphasized that these issues did not seem solely related to engine power but involved a combination of factors yet to be understood.
Hulkenberg explained that his elimination was partly due to a yellow flag at turn 15 and the absence of slipstream on the final straight, which compromised his fast lap.
Nonetheless, the Audi team remains confident that the upgrade package has potential and hopes to better leverage these improvements in upcoming races.