Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto has conceded the German manufacturer is enduring “terrible” starts, which is denting its progress and ability to bag strong results.
The German manufacturer scored a point at the season-opening round in Australia to kickstart a dream debut.
Bortoleto sought to follow up his point-scoring result with another top 10 finish last time out in Japan as he lined up in ninth place.
However, the Brazilian found himself slipping down the order on the opening lap along with team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, with both going on to finish outside the top 10.
Bortoleto pointed to the team's poor starts as a clear weakness.
“The procedure is very similar for everyone,” Bortoleto told media including RacingNews365.
“There is teams that have developed the car, worked the car in a bit of a different way to have better starts.
“I don't think either Audi teams thought it was going to be that difficult to start.
“It ended up that it's terrible, so far. We know it's very difficult for us, and we need to improve.”
Audi is not the only manufacturer that has struggled to get starts right with the new-for-2026 power units.
However, Bortoleto has admitted that any fixes will take time to implement.
“We can improve a bit, but not in the short term to get to the Ferraris. I think it's very difficult.
“Also with the Mercedes, I think we are still going to struggle a bit.”
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