Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has heaped praise on Audi's Formula 1 power unit facilities, calling the German manufacturer's engine department "second to none". Speaking on the High Performance Racing podcast with Jake Humphrey and former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer, Smedley assessed the grid's progress in the first half of the season.
While Audi has faced a steep learning curve since taking over the Sauber operation and becoming a works outfit, Smedley pointed to the scale and quality of its powertrain investment. "Sauber, I mean, they were pretty desperate these last two or three years. They were just awful, there's no other word for it," the former engineer said.
When Szafnauer argued that Audi still owned the team at that stage, so it had good financial backing and decent infrastructure, Smedley added: "They've always had a very good wind tunnel, or have for a long time. But now, if you look at their facility in Germany, the engine facility, the power unit facility, that is second to none, and they're still building and still going on it."
He noted that Hinwil as an F1 facility "leaves maybe a little bit to be desired", but expansion plans are in place. "So, this is a really important project for them," he said.
Audi retained the 2025 Sauber driver line-up of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. After 12 rounds of the 2026 season, the team sits eighth in the constructors' championship with 16 points. Bortoleto is 14th in the drivers' standings with 10 points, and Hulkenberg is 15th with six points.
The 13th round, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, takes place from 4-6 September. This is a crucial moment for Audi to showcase their progress amid fierce competition.
Smedley's praise underscores that Sauber, now rebranded as Audi, has a solid foundation to compete in the future. With massive investment in the power unit sector, they are ready to challenge the top teams.
Baca Juga
Rob Smedley memuji fasilitas power unit Audi sebagai 'second to none'. Audi terus berkembang di F1 2026 dengan dukungan infrastruktur mesin yang impresif.
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