News Summary
- Gabriel Bortoleto fell from tenth in FP1 to 14th in FP2 after testing Audi’s new upgrade
- Bortoleto improved his lap by 0.894s, but his deficit increased from 1.301s to 2.447s
- Audi’s comparison with Nico Hülkenberg provided no immediate evidence of a major performance gain
Audi’s first major Formula 1 upgrade since June produced an inconclusive opening day at the Azerbaijan GP, with Gabriel Bortoleto admitting the team could not explain its loss of grip during FP2.
Bortoleto began the weekend positively, placing tenth in FP1 with a 1:46.688. The Brazilian used Audi’s revised package during the opening session, while Nico Hülkenberg ran the previous specification to provide a direct comparison.
The first result appeared encouraging. Bortoleto finished 0.183s ahead of Hülkenberg, who placed 11th, but the difference was too small to establish how much of the advantage came from the new components.
Audi’s position deteriorated in FP2. Bortoleto improved to 1:45.794 but fell to 14th, while Hülkenberg finished immediately behind him with a 1:45.854.
The two Audi drivers were separated by only 0.060s, suggesting that the upgrade had not yet produced a clear performance step.
Why did Bortoleto fall from tenth to 14th?
The positions alone do not provide the complete answer. Bortoleto improved his personal best by 0.894s between the two sessions, but the leading teams made considerably greater progress as the circuit evolved.
His deficit to George Russell consequently increased from 1.301s in FP1 to 2.447s in FP2.
| Session | Position | Time | Gap to leader | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP1 | 10th | 1:46.688 | +1.301s | 21 |
| FP2 | 14th | 1:45.794 | +2.447s | 24 |
That represents a relative loss of 1.146s, despite Bortoleto recording a faster lap. The drop therefore reflected Audi’s development compared with its rivals rather than an absolute decline in lap time.
Speaking after FP2 in a media session attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO in Baku, Bortoleto said the R26 lacked grip and balance.
“To be honest, I don’t think the car was very good in FP2,” Bortoleto said. “We are lacking a little grip, and I still don’t know why.”
Audi has not reached a verdict on its upgrade
Audi deliberately divided the specifications between its drivers during FP1. Bortoleto explained that Hülkenberg had received the new package first when the team introduced its previous major development in Austria, so the roles were reversed in Azerbaijan.
“That is why we always split the cars,” he said. “With the previous upgrade, I didn’t start the weekend with it. Now it was Nico’s turn. We try to do this to have a clear view of whether it worked.”
Audi arrived in Baku with its first substantial R26 development package since the Austrian GP. Hülkenberg had already warned that the unusual combination of slow corners and Baku’s 2.2km full-throttle section could prevent the team from obtaining a definitive answer this weekend.
Bortoleto agreed that the circuit complicated the evaluation, describing the car as extremely difficult to take to the limit on a dusty, low-grip surface.
However, he refused to use the track condition as the sole explanation.
“The track is dusty for everyone, so I wouldn’t say that is it,” he said. “Honestly, I would like to know the solution, because then I would put it on the car tomorrow and solve the problems.”
Did the Audi upgrade work?
The evidence from Thursday is insufficient to say that it worked—but there is also no basis to declare it a failure.
Bortoleto was faster than Hülkenberg in both sessions, but only by narrow margins. More significantly, both Audis slipped backwards relative to the leading pace in FP2 and finished outside the top ten.
The package contains several new components, and Audi must now separate three variables: the genuine aerodynamic benefit, the effect of its set-up changes and the unexplained grip problem Bortoleto encountered.
“There are many new parts on the car,” Bortoleto explained. “There is a lot to discover, fix and implement. Hopefully, we can resolve things for tomorrow because we are struggling a little to find the balance.”
FP3 will provide another opportunity to refine the set-up, although the strong winds forecast for Friday may further complicate Audi’s comparison. Hülkenberg’s initial prediction—that Malaysia and Singapore will offer a clearer verdict—therefore remains credible.
For Baku qualifying, the immediate objective is simpler: recover the relative pace Audi showed in FP1 and return to the fight for Q3.
GRANDE PRÊMIO follows every session of the Azerbaijan GP LIVE and in REAL TIME.
F1 today: FAQ
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?
The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.
What upgrade did Audi bring to the Azerbaijan GP?
Audi introduced its first significant R26 development package since Austria, containing several new chassis and aerodynamic components.
