Nico Hulkenberg Says Audi Near Midfield in Bahrain Test 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Nico Hulkenberg believes Audi is “not a million miles away” from the midfield battle as the German manufacturer continues development of its radical 2026 car during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

The iconic marque makes its full works debut in Formula 1 this season after taking over the former Sauber structure. Audi drew attention on the opening day of the Bahrain test with a significantly revised sidepod concept compared to the configuration seen at the Barcelona shakedown.

Although Hulkenberg experienced a brief stoppage on Wednesday, the car has completed more than 200 laps across the first two days in the hands of the German and team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto. The programme has focused on performance correlation, reliability validation, and optimisation of the all-new 2026 power unit.

“Different. Quite different.”

“I think it’s a good step forward, in terms of performance, in terms of reliability, just to be able to get laps in, kilometres on the car.”

“We’ve made some big steps forward there from Barcelona to here. Then, Bahrain is a very, very different circuit to Barcelona, a lot more stop-and-go.”

“It’s a very hard and unforgiving track, it really exposes a lot of weaknesses historically from any car because of the rough tarmac, low grip, very windy, hot track temps.”

“So, there aren’t many tracks where you find harder conditions. So, it’s a true good test.”

Hulkenberg added that the team is “constantly” refining its power unit settings and energy deployment modes, though he cautioned that competitive comparisons remain difficult at this stage.

“Well, we’re constantly working on the power unit, dialling things out… or trying to, running different settings.”

“It’s really a step-by-step case and run-by-run. We try different things, feedback how it feels, tweak it again, go out again. So, a true test week, in that sense.”

“I think we’re not a million miles away, from what I can gauge, midfield-wise.”

“But it’s always hard to tell because just the energy mode, there’s a huge lap time swing in that. Fuel load is always a question mark.”

“So, don’t know, but I know it’s a long road ahead, a lot of work still ahead of us, and I think a lot more potential once we dial things out.”

The first Bahrain test concludes on Friday, before a second three-day session at the same venue from 18–20 February. How quickly Audi can extract the full performance potential of its new aerodynamic concept and power unit package will shape its position in the 2026 midfield contest.