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Audi’s Bold Strategy: Why F1 Drivers Face Delays in 2026 Simulator Testing

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
August 29, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Audi’s Bold Strategy: Why F1 Drivers Face Delays in 2026 Simulator Testing
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Audi Delays F1 Simulator Runs: What’s Behind the Wait for Its 2026 Car?

In a stunning twist in the motorsport world, Audi’s Formula 1 aspirations are being tempered by a strategic delay in getting its drivers behind the wheel of the 2026 car simulator. Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, the racers set to represent Audi in its inaugural season as a works team, are left in limbo as the team opts for a cautious approach amidst the chaos of evolving regulations.

While rival manufacturers are racing ahead to let their drivers test early models of the new challengers, Audi is taking a step back. Hulkenberg has expressed his eagerness to hit the simulator, hoping for a run “soon.” However, both he and the team recognize that diving in too early might lead to misleading impressions about the car’s performance. “It’s still at the moment all evolving quite a lot and quickly,” Hulkenberg stated, emphasizing the need to avoid generating false expectations.

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Sauber’s sporting director, Ineki Rueda, shed light on the dual factors influencing Audi’s decision. The first hurdle is logistical; the compressed racing calendar has made it increasingly difficult to carve out dedicated time for 2026 evaluations. Rueda explained that before a race, it’s crucial to have a driver in the simulator for an entire day. With busy schedules—Hulkenberg recently tested at Zandvoort while Bortoleto was at Monza—the team is struggling to find slots for driver evaluations.

But the logistical challenge is only one part of the puzzle. Rueda also echoed Hulkenberg’s concerns regarding the rapid development of the 2026 car model. “It’s developing at a big rate,” he admitted, highlighting the fear that an early simulation run might not accurately reflect the final product they will race. As teams scramble to adapt to the new rules, drivers could be left testing outdated models that hardly resemble the final version.

This sentiment was echoed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who remarked on the volatile nature of the development process. “The development curve is so big at the moment that you might be in something one week, but then a week later things are different,” he noted, underscoring the shifting landscape of F1 car design.

While many drivers have expressed mixed feelings about the new 2026 regulations, Hulkenberg remains optimistic. “To be honest, I don’t care what others have said,” he asserted. “Eventually you drive the simulator, and you get what you get. It’s going to be different, that’s to be expected.” His focus is on exploring the new dynamics and adapting quickly once the season starts.

Interestingly, Audi is not the only team holding back its drivers from the simulator. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has also refrained from allowing Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman to test the simulator, citing concerns about wasting their time. “It’s a moving target,” he said, reinforcing the idea that the current models are in a state of flux and may not offer valuable insights at this stage.

As the 2026 F1 season draws closer, the implications of Audi’s cautious approach will be closely watched. Will this delay hinder their competitive edge, or is it a masterstroke in navigating the unpredictable nature of Formula 1? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the anticipation for Audi’s debut season is building, and the world is eager to see how this bold strategy unfolds.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-season2025-pif-saudi-ladies-internationalamato-ferrariCharles Leclercgabriel-bortoletosNico Hülkenberg
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