Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto identified power unit performance in hot conditions as their team's primary limitation ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Both drivers acknowledged that extreme temperatures like those in Malaysia and Singapore cause their power unit to lose outright engine power, creating additional challenges beyond the typical cooling concerns.
Hulkenberg explained that while Singapore should theoretically suit Audi due to its lower power sensitivity, the heat creates unfavorable conditions for their power unit. The FIA has issued heat hazard declarations for both Malaysia and Singapore, with temperatures forecast at 31 degrees Celsius or higher throughout the weekend.
The German driver clarified that their struggles are not related to cooling system compromises that force teams to open bodywork and lose aerodynamic performance. Instead, Audi suffers direct power losses when operating in extreme heat, making it their most significant current weakness according to both race drivers.
Bortoleto expressed complete confidence in Audi's ability to address these issues, drawing on the manufacturer's success in DTM and Le Mans. He emphasized that the engineers in Neuburg have built championship-winning engines in other series and will eventually achieve the same in Formula 1, but acknowledged the team needs patience during their first season.
The team has found answers about their major upgrade package introduced in Baku after initial doubts following a difficult weekend in Azerbaijan. Testing in Malaysia confirmed the upgrades work as expected, with improvements in corner entry, mid-corner and exit phases, though the heat-related power issues remain their primary concern for Singapore's challenging conditions.