Audi drivers identify heat as a major engine limitation

Audi’s drivers have identified a major engine limitation: heat affects its performance in extreme conditions. As the Singapore Grand Prix approaches, the issue is a central concern, although the drivers have not lost faith in the team’s progress.

In theory, the Marina Bay Street Circuit should suit Audi, since less power-sensitive tracks can narrow the gap to the leading engine manufacturers. Allan McNish leads the team, but that general rule does not necessarily apply in Asia. The drivers believe another factor is hurting Audi in the extreme conditions of Malaysia and Singapore. For the Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA has issued a heat hazard declaration, as it did in Malaysia, with temperatures of at least 31 degrees Celsius forecast.

Nico Hülkenberg urged caution during his Thursday media session: “I think we have to be cautious and careful.” He also ruled out the idea that the problem is mainly related to cooling, which would have required Audi to open up more of the bodywork and compromised aerodynamic performance. “No, I think we suffer from power,” he said. While he considers the circuit less power-sensitive on paper, his personal expectations remain modest.

Gabriel Bortoleto shares the assessment of heat’s impact. Asked about the issue, he said it was “our biggest limitation right now, especially in the last races.” The problem therefore directly affects engine power in high temperatures.

The team does have reason for encouragement: Bortoleto said the upgrades had worked as expected. After a difficult weekend in Baku raised doubts about the package, he believes it brought an improvement through corner entry, mid-corner and exit. He summed up the result: “Well, we concluded that it worked. It worked pretty OK, like we expected.”

Bortoleto is confident Audi can keep improving and eventually become a benchmark for engines in Formula 1. That confidence sits alongside the drivers’ immediate assessment: power remains vulnerable in extreme heat.