The Audi Revolut F1 Team came close to securing points at the Sepang International Circuit, with Nico Hulkenberg finishing 11th in a rain-affected race. Monsoon rain hit just before the start, delaying track action and forcing teams to make a tyre choice at the restart. Hulkenberg and teammate Gabriel Bortoleto both switched to intermediates at the end of the formation lap, a decision that initially cost them positions but ultimately helped them recover ground.
Hulkenberg's race was marked by a series of wheel-to-wheel battles, during which he climbed as high as ninth in the closing laps. However, on worn tyres, he was unable to defend his position on the final lap, being passed by Lindblad. Despite the disappointment, Hulkenberg described his race as clean and acknowledged that the team's strategy to switch to intermediates early was the right call, even if it came at an initial cost.
Bortoleto's afternoon was compromised by contact with Carlos Sainz at the restart, which damaged the floor and front wing of his R26. The damage required an additional pit stop and cost the car downforce, and the young Brazilian also received a 10-second penalty. He nursed the car to the chequered flag and afterwards apologised to Sainz for compromising both their races.
Audi racing director Allan McNish attributed the team's near-miss to the challenging weather conditions, which sat right on the crossover point between tyres. He praised the strategy and tyre choices made for Hulkenberg, while acknowledging that Bortoleto's contact and penalty took him out of the fight for points. McNish expressed disappointment at missing out on points for the second race running.
The Sepang result marked the second consecutive race in which the Audi Revolut F1 Team had narrowly missed out on points. The team now looks ahead to the Singapore Grand Prix, the final leg of the Asian triple-header, where both drivers will aim to convert their race pace into points.
The Singapore Grand Prix presents an opportunity for the Audi Revolut F1 Team to regroup and refocus. With the team's competitive pace evident throughout the weekend, McNish acknowledged that they need to find a little more to return to the top 10. The team's performance in Singapore will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike.
The Audi Revolut F1 Team's performance at Sepang was a mixed bag, with Hulkenberg's 11th place finish and Bortoleto's battling drive. As the team heads to Singapore, they will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses in pursuit of a strong result.
Key points
- Audi Revolut F1 Team's Nico Hulkenberg finished 11th at Sepang, missing points on the final lap.
- The team's strategy to switch to intermediates early was vindicated, despite initial costs.
- The Audi Revolut F1 Team now heads to the Singapore Grand Prix, aiming to convert their race pace into points.
