Audi is preparing to get back on track with renewed determination. After a difficult and frustrating weekend in Miami, the Canadian Grand Prix presents a valuable opportunity for the German team to reset and maximise its result. With the Sprint format returning in Montreal, there will be even more pressure to deliver immediately—but also more chances to make something happen. The key question is whether at least one Audi R26 can break into the points.
Below is how Allan McNish, Nico Hulkenberg, and Gabriel Bortoleto are viewing the upcoming race weekend.
Allan McNish: “Canada leaves no room for mistakes”
Audi sporting director Allan McNish knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits in Montreal.
“Canada is always an exciting weekend, but also a demanding one. This circuit leaves very little room for mistakes, and it’s important to be operating at our best from the very first session. Miami was a difficult race for us, but we knew that in our first season we would face challenging weekends. We need to improve in certain areas and manage the race weekend better if we want to make the most of our speed and potential.”
Speaking about the Sprint format, he added: “Sprint weekends require even more focus on preparation and making full use of every moment on track, so it’s crucial to maximise every available lap during the single free practice session on Friday.”
McNish also welcomed the return of F1 Academy, offering encouragement for Emma’s campaign: “It’s also great to have F1 Academy back this weekend. Emma started the season strongly in Shanghai. It will be a long season, but this will be another good opportunity for her to build on that impressive start and continue pushing at the front.”
Nico Hulkenberg aiming for a cleaner weekend
Nico Hulkenberg is also optimistic about the opportunity Montreal presents, while acknowledging that Audi needs a much sharper execution than it managed in Miami.
“Montreal is always a fantastic event to return to. It’s an iconic circuit, and the atmosphere both in the city and at the track makes the weekend really enjoyable. After Miami, the most important thing for us is to recharge quickly and put together a much cleaner weekend overall. We know we have the potential to perform well, but it’s about delivering from the beginning to the end of the event. Sprint weekends always make things more intense, so it will be important to build confidence in the early stages of the weekend and develop from there.”
Gabriel Bortoleto eager to return to Canada
Gabriel Bortoleto is particularly enthusiastic about returning to a circuit he already knows, believing that previous experience could prove valuable during a compressed Sprint weekend format.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Canada. Montreal usually delivers exciting races, and the atmosphere around the event—both at the circuit and in the city—always makes this a special weekend for drivers and fans alike. Having raced here last year, I know how important it is to feel comfortable with the car immediately, especially during a Sprint event. Our goal is to put everything together in a much cleaner way compared to the last round and make the most of every minute we have on track from the start of the weekend.”
For Audi, the objective is clear: recover from Miami, execute cleanly, and turn potential into points in one of Formula 1’s most unpredictable weekends.
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