Audi’s first season-as-works team gained valuable experience in Bahrain. With 353 laps logged, Audi achieved respectable mileage, especially given this is their first full pre-season campaign under the new name and structure.

Nico Hülkenberg and partner Gabriel Bortoleto both got extensive track time, giving the squad a broad spread of data to analyse. Hülkenberg’s fastest lap of around 1:36.291 indicated that the car is roughly competitive in the midfield bracket, though still some way off the very sharpest times.

Team feedback suggested that early reliability was strong and that they had made “a good step forward” compared to previous shakedown running. That’s notable because it reflects progression not just in mileage, but in integrating a new power unit, chassis and hybrid system under one cohesive package.

Audi’s challenge will be to translate their initial data into performance optimisation, particularly in downforce balance and aerodynamic efficiency, which are critical on high-speed circuits like Bahrain. As this was their first serious test, their baseline is promising but there is clearly space to gain time.

In short, Audi’s Bahrain outing was a solid first step, not headline-grabbing, but reflective of a team laying down a reliable foundation on which to build further performance before the season begins.

Alpine had an up-and-down Bahrain test but came away with useful learnings. With 318 laps completed, they were mid-pack in mileage and dealt with some stoppages that interrupted their running, though they still gathered valuable data on tyre wear and energy deployment.

Both Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly had productive sessions, but reports noted a couple of session stoppages, indicating that Alpine’s new package still has areas to tidy up before hitting full race conditions. The positives lie in their ability to work through their test programme despite interruptions, reinforcing that reliability issues are being addressed before crucial race weekends.

Alpine’s best lap was in the mid-1:35s, suggesting the car has respectable pace for the midfield, even if not challenging the very front. Their work was more focussed on gaining consistency over longer stints and understanding how the new hybrid characteristics affect tyre degradation and energy recovery strategies, all key elements under the 2026 rule set.

Overall, Alpine’s Bahrain test was a solid learning block. They are not yet a frontrunner, but progress was made on stability and setup, giving the team a clearer direction for further development.

Cadillac’s first major outing in Formula 1 was encouraging. They ran 320 laps, a respectable tally for a team in its debut season, and both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas completed race simulation runs during the three days.

Technical interruptions did occur, such as a Bottas stoppage that brought out a red flag, but Cadillac engineers worked through the issues and maintained consistent progression. Perez’s race-distance run showed that the team is focused on reliability and performance at race pace rather than just qualifying simulation times.

Their fastest lap of approximately 1:36.824 places them solidly within the developing midfield group. While not immediately challenging the traditional front teams, Cadillac’s progress suggests they have a firm platform to refine before the season begins.

Overall, their Bahrain test was productive and forward-looking, showing a team capable of learning quickly and growing confidence under real race conditions.

Question of the Week: Are You Ready For The Season?

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