Audi flags engine power deficit ahead of Singapore demands
Audi has identified outright engine power loss in extreme heat as its primary limitation entering the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix. Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto highlighted the issue after struggles in Malaysia, where high temperatures exposed the shortfall against rivals despite Singapore being less power-sensitive on paper.
Power shortfall exposed in heat
Audi arrives at the Singapore Grand Prix with a clear engine power deficit flagged by its drivers. The issue surfaced during the preceding Malaysian Grand Prix and persists under similar tropical conditions expected at Marina Bay.[1]
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto both described the power unit performance in high temperatures as the team's biggest current limitation.[2] Hulkenberg noted that Malaysia revealed new challenges for the power unit in these climatic conditions, with expectations kept modest despite Singapore's layout being less power-sensitive on paper. Bortoleto echoed that the shortfall stands out particularly in recent races.[1]
The FIA issued a heat hazard declaration for Singapore, forecasting temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius or higher. This mirrors the environment that highlighted the Audi unit's reduced output, separate from any cooling-related aerodynamic compromises.[1]
Context for 2026 season
Singapore's demands test the unit under sustained high-load conditions where any deficit compounds against stronger Mercedes and Red Bull engines.
Related reading
https://grandepremio.com/br/f1/motor-da-audi-perde-potencia-no-calor-e-ameaca-bortoleto-e-hulkenberg-em-singapura/ https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/they-built-the-best-engines-audi-f1-drivers-reveal-biggest-limitation-and-how-to-address-it/10863053/
- [1]Motor da Audi perde potência no calor e ameaça Bortoleto e Hulkenberg em Singapura (grandepremio). Accessed 2026-10-09.
- [2]They build the best engines; Audi F1 drivers reveal biggest limitation and how to address it (motorsport). Accessed 2026-10-09.