Audi drivers identify heat as a major engine limitation

Audi F1’s drivers have identified a major limitation of their car, as well as the issue to address: engine power suffers in extreme heat. In theory, Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit could suit the team led by Allan McNish better, as it is less power-sensitive than some other tracks. But that rule does not necessarily hold in Asia, and the climate adds another challenge.

The drivers believe the power gap to the leading engine manufacturers should be smaller, yet another factor is hurting Audi in the extreme conditions of Malaysia and Singapore. The FIA has issued a heat hazard declaration for the Singapore Grand Prix, with temperatures of at least 31 degrees Celsius forecast, as in Malaysia.

Nico Hülkenberg urged caution during his Thursday media session: “I think we have to be cautious and careful.” Asked whether the issue was cooling, which would require Audi to open up more of the bodywork at the expense of aerodynamic performance, he rejected that explanation. “No, I think we suffer from power.”

Gabriel Bortoleto shares that assessment. “Yes, I would say that right now, especially in the last races, it’s our biggest limitation,” he said when asked about the heat. The two drivers’ assessment is that Audi loses engine power in these extreme conditions.

Bortoleto remains confident that the team can make progress and eventually become a benchmark for engine performance in F1. He sees what Audi has achieved so far as a decent foundation for a first season, while acknowledging the need to improve drivability and performance in the climatic conditions under discussion.

On the development front, Bortoleto said back-to-back tests in Malaysia confirmed that the upgrade worked: the outcome was positive, as expected. After a difficult weekend in Baku, he believes the improvement represents a step forward through the different phases of corners. There are still details to explore, but he does not expect this upgrade alone to deliver another second.