The Hinwil-based team, while waiting to be able to take advantage of the ADUO and improve the power unit, is working on the R26 to continue fighting in the midfield and for points-scoring positions.
First phase of the 2026 season sets the baseline
The opening phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season has already provided several important indications in terms of car performance. More than mechanical or aerodynamic aspects, attention has largely focused on power unit management. However, as we know, the hybrid power unit manufacturers in the sport will have to wait several more months before being able to benefit from the ADUO and introduce updated power units.
For this reason, while awaiting FIA evaluation and clarity on whether and which type of ADUO can be used, teams focused in April on developing the first major upgrade packages of the season.
It is not as if the early part of the year was short on updates, but by May teams had already planned several new components, regardless of the unexpected five-week break. The lack of Grands Prix provided all teams with an opportunity to fully focus on what could be introduced starting from the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled from 1 to 3 May in Florida.
Audi joins the development push
Among the teams bringing updates is also Audi. While waiting to be able to work more directly on the power unit, the team led by Mattia Binotto has focused on the R26 in order to continue fighting in the midfield and increase its chances of scoring points.
“I feel that many teams will bring upgrade packages there,” said the engineer from Reggio Emilia. “I believe it will be the same for us as well. The development pace under these new regulations is still very high. So yes, we will definitely bring a significant package compared to what we have done in the past.”
“With such new regulations, it is not surprising that the updates are so substantial, so we will see.”
Big upgrades on sprint weekend tracks
Perhaps the most surprising aspect is the arrival of such major upgrade packages at circuits that will host Sprint weekend formats. First Miami, then Canada. However, modern Formula 1 does not allow delays: every postponed decision can cost valuable points and, therefore, money.
For this reason, teams will arrive in Miami aiming to test as much as possible during the single free practice session and evaluate what is truly ready for race use.
Binotto remains confident
“It is a relative competition: how big our package is compared to others, I do not know. But I am satisfied with what we have done and developed. I am confident that with the updates we are bringing, we will at least be able to continue fighting for the positions we are currently holding,” Binotto concluded.
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