Audi F1’s first‑half performance is a headline worth noting, with racing director Allan McNish hailing the rookie squad’s unexpected qualifying strength amid a debut season in Formula 1.
Unanticipated Qualifying Prowess
Across the opening 11 races, Audi has entered Q3 on five occasions, thanks to drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who average 12th and 13th in the temporary grid. These results underline a consistent ability to secure front‑row positions before the race even starts.
Recent Gains Stem from Targeted Upgrades
Fifteen points came from the last three Grand Prix, with a significant lift following the Austria upgrade focused on low‑speed corners. The improved chassis helped Hulkenberg claim his first season points by finishing ninth in Hungary, and the team has knelled 12 points in total to date.
Start and Power‑Unit Challenges Remain
McNish, who took over from Jonathan Wheatley in Miami, admits the team can sharpen its starts. A failure to overtake Racing‑Bulls driver Liam Lawson in Budapest caused Hulkenberg to slip from 10th to 11th before he could recover. The power unit is the main area needing attention, whereas the chassis is already among the season’s best.
Midfield Position Highlights Room for Growth
Audi sits eighth, 54 points behind mid‑field leader Racing Bulls and 165 from the top‑four quartet. Though the gap is substantial, the club’s “upward trend” is evident, moving past Williams in the constructors’ standings and consistently generating Q3 finishes and race points.
Moving Forward with Confidence
McNish sees operational and technical progress that will make the squad stronger, stating the team’s “comfort” with their current path. As the season continues, refining starts and unlocking power‑unit potential will be key to translating strong qualifying into further race victories.
Photo by: Andy Hone / LAT Images via Getty Images
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