Audi Debuts Narrow Vertical Sidepod on B-Spec R26 in Bahrain

Audi brought a B-spec R26 to the Bahrain pre-season tests carrying a markedly revised aerodynamic approach centered on a radically narrow, inverted forward-stretched vertical sidepod inlet and an almost two-tier bodywork arrangement that integrates the upper side-impact spar into the main body while allowing its tip to protrude. Surface-shaping changes include a pelican-style G-line (a pronounced surface crease to help guide airflow), a gentler gulley on the upper sidepod, a channel on the top surface and a ramped undercut that directs flow toward the floor edges. Those elements are intended to shorten the pathway to the diffuser, increase downwash and deliver cleaner, higher-energy airflow to the underfloor and rear. Observers compared the concept to Mercedes’ 2022 “zeropod” experiment, although Audi retained conventional sidepod bodywork rather than adopting a full zeropod layout.

Audi ran an early-January Barcelona shakedown using a more conventional inwashing sidepod layout; that outing was limited to 240 laps by a technical issue. The team completed a later closed test in January and arrived in Bahrain with the B-spec R26. Gabriel Bortoleto ran the revamped car in Wednesday morning running at Sakhir and Nico Hülkenberg drove the afternoon session. The R26 carried large Kiel probe rakes (arrays of flow sensors) and wrapped sensors to correlate on-track airflow with CFD and wind-tunnel work. Audi also introduced hardware changes, including a new twin-pod front-wing activation system and a revised rear-wing activation layout designed to exploit the sport’s relaxed deployment rules.

Team management says the updates are part of an iterative aero development path rather than a wholesale concept switch, though commentators called the package a clear technical wildcard for the start of the season. Audi engineers are using the Bahrain running to evaluate cooling, reliability and the unconventional flow management under full-test conditions — risks that must be proven safe and effective before competitiveness can be judged. Factory development will continue, with a second three-day shakedown in Bahrain scheduled for Feb. 18–20 and further parts planned ahead of the Australian season opener on March 8.