Audi will head into the Singapore Grand Prix targeting a return to the Formula 1 points while also introducing a special livery for the Marina Bay weekend. After once again finishing just outside the top 10 at Sepang, the German team hopes its first Formula 1 night race can provide the opportunity to turn recent encouraging performances into a stronger result.
Audi introduces a special Singapore Grand Prix livery
The most recent Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang once again ended with Audi on the edge of the points, with Nico Hülkenberg finishing 11th. The team will now arrive in Singapore with a different visual identity as it continues chasing a top-10 finish.
The car will retain Audi’s traditional grey base colour but will feature traditional Peranakan-inspired motifs celebrating local culture. The design will appear on the sidepods and rear wing, while similar colour changes will also be incorporated into the drivers’ race suits.
It is not the first time Audi has introduced a special colour scheme this season, having also made visual changes in Monaco, although with a different design. Singapore will nevertheless have particular significance as it marks Audi’s first Formula 1 appearance in a night race.
Nico Hülkenberg targets strong Singapore Sprint weekend
Nico Hülkenberg already has considerable experience at Marina Bay, having competed there on several occasions and recorded ninth place multiple times as his best result at the circuit.
“Singapore always has a unique atmosphere,” Nico Hülkenberg said. “It’s one of the highlights of the calendar and an important weekend for Audi this year, thanks to the special livery, the race suits and all the activities the team has organised in the city.”
“There is a great energy throughout the week and hopefully we can give everyone something to celebrate on track as well. I have always enjoyed Sprint weekends because you get straight down to business, and I like that.”
The German driver believes Audi has shown some encouraging signs during recent races, even if the team still has further work to do before it can consistently secure points.
“We have experienced some encouraging moments in the last few races, but we also know that there is still work to do. Hopefully we can have a solid weekend and make the most of our potential.”
Gabriel Bortoleto aims to end points drought in Singapore
While Nico Hülkenberg brings significant Marina Bay experience, the situation is different for team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian will also be aiming to return to the points after failing to finish inside the top 10 since the Belgian Grand Prix.
“The last few races haven’t given us the results we hoped for, but there are still positive aspects we can build on,” Gabriel Bortoleto said. “Our objective is to make use of everything we have learned heading into Singapore and put together a solid weekend.”
“It’s quite a unique circuit, so it’s nice to be back there. Recently we have consistently been fighting for points, so we will try to put everything together and give ourselves a chance both in Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s race.”
“I’m ready to get back in the car and keep pushing.”
Audi hopes Marina Bay can finally deliver a top-10 result
Audi therefore arrives in Singapore with a straightforward sporting objective alongside its special visual presentation. Recent performances have repeatedly placed Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto close to the points, but the team has struggled to convert that pace into the top-10 finishes it wants.
With both a Sprint and the main Grand Prix offering opportunities at Marina Bay, Audi will hope its first Formula 1 night race can finally turn that recent promise into championship points.
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