- Audi replaced both power units following Hülkenberg’s Sprint retirement.
- Double engine change follows reliability concerns during Audi’s debut.
- Hardware and aerodynamic upgrades aim to boost performance for GP.
Audi changed the engines on both its cars ahead of Chinese Grand Prix qualifying after Nico Hulkenberg’s retirement from the Sprint race exposed a failure in the team’s power unit.
Hulkenberg pulled off the circuit at Turn 1 on Lap 13 of the 19-lap Sprint in Shanghai, triggering a late Safety Car that reshuffled the order behind eventual winner George Russell. The stoppage was caused by an engine failure on the German driver’s R26.
Gabriel Bortoleto completed the Sprint without an immediate issue, finishing 13th, but Audi elected to change his engine as well. The swap was a precautionary measure following Hülkenberg’s failure.
Both cars ran the fresh hardware in qualifying later on Saturday, with Hulkenburg finishing 11th and Bortoleto in 16th.
Early-season pattern
The double engine change adds to a growing list of reliability problems for Audi’s debut works season. At the Australian Grand Prix, Hulkenberg was unable to start the race due to technical trouble, while Bortoleto experienced mechanical issues during qualifying before recovering to finish ninth.
Audi designed its power unit in-house at its Neuburg facility, and team chief Mattia Binotto has been open about the gap to established manufacturers.
“I’m not expecting our powertrain to be the best since the very start,” Binotto said before the season. “That would be impossible, that would be unrealistic. But I think we are on our journey and we need to stay focused on ourselves.”
Bortoleto has echoed that patience, telling Motorsport.com: “There are teams doing this for 15 years, and we are in the first year of building an engine, so it’s not easy.”
Shanghai aero package
Alongside the engine concerns, Audi introduced its first major aerodynamic upgrade of the season in Shanghai. The package included a revised front wing flap, an updated endplate design and a new nose shape, all aimed at improving airflow and load extraction across the front of the car.
Sunday’s question
Whether these new engines will carry a sporting penalty depends on Audi’s remaining power unit allocation for the season, with only one previous round completed.
There big concern is whether the new hardware holds through Sunday’s Grand Prix.
