Early Red Flags Emerge on Day 3 of First F1 Test
On the third day of the Formula 1 testing in Barcelona, early red flags surfaced as Audi faced significant challenges. Nico Hulkenberg was at the wheel of the new R26 when he encountered a suspected hydraulic issue, leading to a stoppage on the straight between Turns 9 and 10.
Audi’s Testing Challenges
This incident marked Audi’s second stoppage during the test. They were previously limited on Monday due to a technical issue that compelled the team to instruct driver Gabriel Bortoleto to halt on track, resulting in just 27 laps for the day. Audi had taken Tuesday off, allowing them to focus on reliability and mileage during their testing days.
Testing Timeline
- Testing Days: Audi began testing on Monday and was idle on Tuesday.
- Day 3 Incident: Hulkenberg stopped after only five laps on Wednesday.
The team’s preparations included signing off on a preliminary car and engine package early, which aimed to maximize their performance throughout the test. Despite this, Audi is struggling in comparison to other engine manufacturers. By Tuesday, they had completed only 125 kilometers, significantly lower than the other teams:
| Team | Kilometers Completed |
|---|---|
| Mercedes | 973.31 |
| Ferrari | 922.09 |
| RBPT | 908.12 |
| Audi | 125.74 |
| Honda | 0 |
Honda has yet to make its debut at this test. Their partner, Aston Martin, is not expected to have their car ready until at least Thursday.
Day 3 Progress
After a 21-minute delay on Wednesday, the action resumed but soon faced another interruption when Haas driver Ollie Bearman stopped at Turn 2. Notably, Haas had the most laps on Monday.
Wednesday’s participation included teams like Mercedes, Racing Bulls, and Alpine. They took to the track early around 9 a.m. Cadillac was also scheduled to rejoin the test that morning. The lineup of drivers representing their teams included George Russell, Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto, and Hulkenberg as they navigated the challenges of early testing.
McLaren is anticipated to make its 2026 car debut having missed earlier sessions. As teams continue to face various challenges, all eyes remain on their ability to refine their cars ahead of the impending season. For continuous updates on the F1 testing events, visit Filmogaz.com.
