Early Red Flags Emerge on Day Three of F1 Testing
On the third day of Formula 1 testing in Barcelona, early red flags became apparent as Audi faced another stoppage. Nico Hulkenberg drove the new R26 but halted between Turns 9 and 10 due to a suspected hydraulic issue. This incident marked the second red flag of the day, following a previous technical setback on Monday.
Audi’s Testing Challenges
Audi began testing on Monday but took a break on Tuesday, allowing teams to select three out of five days for track activity. On their first day, a technical problem forced them to instruct driver Gabriel Bortoleto to stop early, accumulating only 27 laps.
Engine Performance and Mileage
The ongoing issues have significantly hindered Audi’s performance in the tests. Despite an early signing off of their car and engine package on January 9, intended to enhance reliability, the team still struggles to match competitors on the track. Current engine mileage statistics showcase a clear disparity:
- Mercedes: 973.31 km
- Ferrari: 922.09 km
- RBPT: 908.12 km
- Audi: 125.74 km
- Honda: 0 km (not yet run)
As it stands, Audi’s total is notably low compared to over 900 km logged by other manufacturers. Honda’s new partnership with Aston Martin means they will not participate until at least Thursday.
Day Three Activity
Following a 21-minute delay, testing resumed, only to experience another interruption when Haas driver Ollie Bearman stopped at Turn 2. Notably, Haas achieved the highest lap count on the previous Monday.
This morning, the track was bustling with activity. Teams participating included Mercedes, Racing Bulls, and Alpine, alongside Audi and Haas. George Russell, Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto, Hulkenberg, and Bearman all took to the track early. Additionally, McLaren is scheduled to debut its 2026 car today after missing the first two days of testing.
Looking Ahead
The challenges faced by Audi illustrate the unpredictable nature of testing, emphasizing the importance of rectifying technical issues swiftly. As the test progresses, teams must leverage every opportunity to improve performance and reliability before the season starts.
