Audi completes Monza filming day as R26 start simulations take center stage. Audi completed its second 2026 filming day at Monza.

F1 | Audi: Monza filming day focused on start practice

The Hinwil-based Audi team completed its second and final 2026 filming day at Monza, with the program heavily focused on race start procedures. Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto shared driving duties in the R26, covering a total of 30 laps (174 km), with no performance running involved at any stage.

The R26 that appeared on track did not feature any new components, as regulations strictly prohibit upgrades during filming days. However, the data collected proved valuable for further development of the software that manages and coordinates the hybrid Power Unit system. The choice of Monza was not driven by technical requirements, but rather logistical necessity, as it was the only circuit available to the team for this type of running.

Nico Hülkenberg took to the track in the morning session, completing 15 laps dedicated primarily to race start simulations. The focus was on three key clutch engagement points: the pit exit, the First Chicane (Prima Variante), and the Ascari chicane. As previously reported, the session was briefly interrupted after a drone fell onto the track, although the incident ended without consequences.

In the afternoon, Gabriel Bortoleto took over driving duties after the team resolved a sensor issue that had affected the car during the morning running. The young Brazilian completed an identical program to his experienced teammate, also finishing 15 laps, with only a single full-speed pass over the start-finish line.

Team principal Mattia Binotto’s squad now faces a substantial amount of data to analyze at the Neuburg factory, where development of the Power Unit will continue. While awaiting the benefits expected from the introduction of ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities), the upcoming Miami Grand Prix on May 3 will be an important reference point to assess whether the development direction taken so far is delivering the expected progress.

The move to Monza for logistical reasons might seem like a compromise, but for a team still finding its feet like Audi, any track time is gold. It’s interesting to see the heavy focus on starts; in a season where pure speed is hard to come by, being a “rocket off the line” is a great way to snatch points. With the Miami GP around the corner, Mattia Binotto’s data-driven approach will be put to the ultimate test under the Florida sun.