The Audi Revolut F1 Team wrapped up the opening week of 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, completing three intensive days of running in Sakhir. The programme marked a significant step in the development of the team’s 2026 challenger, the R26, following its initial shakedown in Barcelona two weeks ago.
Across the final day of Week 1, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg combined for 118 laps, contributing to a total of 354 laps over the three-day test. In total, the team covered 1,915.85 kilometres — an encouraging mileage figure that underlined early reliability and operational consistency.
Bortoleto handled driving duties in the morning session, completing 60 laps (324.720 km) with a fastest time of 1:37.536. Hülkenberg took over in the afternoon, adding 58 laps (313.896 km) and setting a best time of 1:36.291. The structured split programme allowed the team to explore various set-up configurations, power unit mappings and system checks under representative track conditions.
Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley described the Bahrain outing as an encouraging foundation for the season ahead. Completing over 600 kilometres per day, he noted, was a strong early indicator of reliability and a testament to the work carried out behind the scenes. Beyond outright mileage, the team focused heavily on understanding car behaviour, validating operational procedures and strengthening communication across engineering groups.
For Nico Hülkenberg, the week was defined by exploration and data collection. The German driver highlighted the breadth of testing programmes undertaken, including different setup directions and power unit configurations. With a significant volume of information now gathered, the emphasis shifts to analysis and refinement before returning to the circuit.
Gabriel Bortoleto echoed the positive sentiment, describing the three days as productive and data-rich. The Brazilian rookie emphasised the importance of maximising the R26’s potential and building confidence ahead of the final pre-season test. With the groundwork laid, the focus now turns to integrating findings and sharpening performance for the concluding sessions.
Pre-season action resumes in one week under the lights of Sakhir, where the final three days of 2026 testing will provide a crucial opportunity to consolidate development before the season opener.
