The Audi driven by Gabriel Bortoleto has been disqualified from the Miami Sprint after exceeding the allowed engine air intake pressure limits.
Miami Sprint, Bortoleto disqualified
Audi’s weekend in Florida has started in the worst possible way. In Miami, Nico Hülkenberg was unable to take part in the Sprint due to a technical issue on the R26 during the formation lap, while Gabriel Bortoleto was disqualified for a power unit irregularity.
The engine of the number 5 Audi was found to be non-compliant with the regulations after exceeding the maximum permitted air intake pressure, which must never be higher than 4.8 barA according to Article C5.3.2 of the technical regulations.
The official statement
This is the statement released by the stewards following the report from FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer.
“The Audi representatives acknowledged that the findings of the technical delegate were correct. As a mitigating factor, Audi explained that this occurred during a single lap, when temperatures increased more than expected,” the statement reads. “As soon as the situation became apparent, they took action to bring the pressure back within the limits defined by the regulations. Although it is recognised that they took measures to return the car to compliance, the regulations clearly state that the car must comply at all times, which it did not.”
https://x.com/F1/status/2050604981464535437
So many technical problems
This is certainly not the first technical issue Audi has faced at the start of its Formula 1 journey. In Australia, Nico Hülkenberg was unable to start due to a hydraulic problem, and Gabriel Bortoleto suffered the same fate in China. The German driver also retired from the Shanghai Sprint due to a power unit failure, highlighting a series of reliability concerns for the team.
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