F1 Bahrain test | Audi drivers reflect after day 2: “We continue to build”

The second day of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain concluded with Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto providing their assessment of the team’s progress. The German outfit continues its on-track work in preparation for the new season, using the sessions as a crucial proving ground. Both drivers completed valuable mileage and collected important data for understanding and developing the RS26. While they noted encouraging progress, they also emphasized that there is still a substantial amount of work ahead for the team.

Nico Hulkenberg took to the track during the morning session, completing 47 laps and setting a best time of 1:37.266. In the afternoon, Gabriel Bortoleto drove the RS26, completing 66 laps with a fastest lap of 1:36.670. By the end of the day, the drivers finished in tenth and sixth place respectively in the timing charts.

Hulkenberg on day 2 of testing

Reflecting on the session, Nico Hulkenberg said: “Another good day with solid mileage and plenty to learn. We are still discovering things on every lap, tackling the systems step by step. Bahrain is a difficult place for testing, so it gives us a clear indication of what works and what still requires attention.”

Bortoleto’s perspective on progress

Gabriel Bortoleto added: “Overall, it was a positive half-day for me. We managed to cover a lot of laps without major issues, which is always encouraging, especially in a test like this. I am satisfied with what we accomplished today, particularly the work done on different setups. Of course, there is still a lot to improve and a good amount of work ahead of us, but we will continue to build from here.”

The statements from both drivers underscore Audi’s approach to the early season testing: focus on data collection, steady development, and progressive understanding of the RS26’s behavior. As the team continues its program in Bahrain, every lap contributes to refining performance and reliability ahead of the 2026 season opener.

While the RS26 is not yet challenging the very top of the timesheets, the lack of reliability “red flags” is a victory in itself for a new manufacturer. As the team moves into the final day of the first test, the focus will remain on refining the 50/50 power split and ensuring the chassis-engine integration is robust enough for the full-scale race simulations planned for next week.