Audi set to run first-ever F1 car in Barcelona filming day featuring Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

The German automaker is gearing up for a significant move in its journey to the top of motorsport by preparing to put its first F1 car on track in Barcelona. To coincide with an important milestone in the transition to a full works team, the German manufacturer will conduct its 2026-spec challenger on a dedicated filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The shakedown will be the first for Audi's car, systems, and procedures prior to official pre-season testing and its long-awaited Formula 1 debut, and will have veteran campaigner Nico Hülkenberg alongside hotly tipped Brazilian youngling Gabriel Bortoleto.

Barcelona outing marks Audi’s first Formula 1 car on track

The Barcelona filming day also marks the first day on track for anAudi-developed Formula 1 car, and the first public outing for a 2026-spec car from any team. Held at the legendary Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the session is allowed under Formula 1's Promotional Event rules, enabling teams to drive as much as 200 kilometres on demo tires.

The run will not be focused on outright performance, but it is an important step for system checks, reliability validation, and initial data collection. Audi engineers will observe the integration of the hybrid power unit with the chassis, the effectiveness of the cooling systems used, the electronics, and the fundamental drivability. It sees early mileage as a huge confidence builder, especially with the 2026 regulations ahead bringing such heavy technical change.


Running the car prior to official testing further demonstrates Audi's intent to be ahead of the curve in preparation for its competitive debut in the world championship.

Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto lead early development phase

Audi's driver selection for the shooting day clusters both short- and long-term considerations. With years of Formula 1 experience under his belt and a reputation for giving accurate and valuable technical feedback, Hülkenberg is a major asset in fine-tuning the baseline setup of the car. His knowledge of car behaviour and development processes will be crucial during the early days of the team.

Bortoleto, on the other hand, is the future of the project. The 18-year-old Brazilian has made a swift progression through the junior ranks and comes in riding a wave of optimism, using this opportunity to gain some crucial mileage and experience in F1 machinery. Bringing him in emphasizes Audi's interest in a mix of the young and the experienced.

Also Read: Who were Niki Lauda’s wives? A closer look at F1 icon's relationships over the years


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