Allan McNish
via Motorsport.comAllan McNish reveals qualities that give Gabriel Bortoleto “a lot of potential”Allan McNish, the racing director of Audi F1 Team, has expressed confidence in Gabriel Bortoleto's potential as a Formula 1 driver. Bortoleto, who has achieved back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2, made his debut in F1 last year and has shown significant improvement this season, currently leading his teammate Nico Hulkenberg in points. His performance at Spa-Francorchamps, where he finished eighth, further showcased his capabilities despite the team's expectations of struggling at that track.
McNish emphasized Bortoleto's analytical approach to driving and his mental resilience, particularly highlighting a race incident in Qatar where Bortoleto managed to recover from a penalty. Additionally, McNish praised Bortoleto's work ethic and positive demeanor, noting that he is a valuable asset to the team alongside the experienced Hulkenberg. The combination of Bortoleto's youthful enthusiasm and Hulkenberg's experience is seen as beneficial for the team's dynamics.
Motorsport.comMon 17 Aug · 11:23 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAudi F1 chief recalls ‘focus on detail’ lessons from Ayrton SennaHe recalled his first test with McLaren in 1989, where he was struck by the speed of the car and the insights shared by Senna. McNish's journey in motorsport includes a brief stint in F1 with Toyota, and he aims to build on Audi's promising debut season as they prepare for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.
Motorsport WeekSun 16 Aug · 10:06 UTC
via AutosportAllan McNish appointed Audi's first racing directorAllan McNish, Audi's new Formula 1 Racing Director, has shared insights from his early career working with Ayrton Senna. He emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, a lesson he aims to apply in his current role.
Autosport+ 1 moreFri 14 Aug · 09:32 UTC
via f1technical.netMcNish explains his new role as Audi Racing Director after returning to Formula 1Allan McNish has taken on the role of Racing Director for Audi as they enter Formula 1, marking his return to the sport after more than twenty years. He is responsible for overseeing trackside operations and has expressed excitement about being back in the paddock, especially during the team's debut season in the championship.
McNish clarified the distinction between his role and that of Team Principal Mattia Binotto, who manages the overall project. His responsibilities encompass not only racing and engineering but also marketing and communications, highlighting the collaborative nature of his position within Audi's Formula 1 program, which has been in development since its announcement in 2022.
f1technical.netSat 8 Aug · 14:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comAudi performing better than expected in F1 2026 - Allan McNishAudi's entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 season has exceeded expectations, with the team achieving three consecutive points finishes and making five Q3 appearances in the first 11 races. Racing director Allan McNish expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly in qualifying, where the average positions of drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have been competitive. Despite these successes, Audi sits eighth in the standings and acknowledges the need for improvements, especially regarding race starts and overall performance against the top teams.
The team has accumulated 12 points so far, with a significant portion coming from recent races. McNish highlighted the importance of ongoing development and teamwork as Audi aims to strengthen its position in the midfield. While the gap to the leading teams remains substantial, the team is optimistic about its growth and future potential in the championship.
Motorsport.comTue 4 Aug · 11:25 UTC
via Motorsport.comAudi to delay F1 power unit upgrades until 2027Audi has decided to halt further upgrades to its Formula 1 power unit until 2027. This decision follows a promising initial performance since taking over the Sauber team.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSat 1 Aug · 08:13 UTC
via theguardian.com‘I’m living every lap and every corner’: Allan McNish on guiding Audi into F1 from pitwallAllan McNish, a former driver and successful sports car racer, is now the racing director for Audi's newly formed Formula 1 team, which made its debut in 2026. He brings a wealth of experience from his racing career, including multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and aims to guide Audi through the challenges of entering the highly competitive F1 environment. Despite the team's current struggles, ranking ninth in the constructors' championship, McNish remains optimistic about their potential for growth and success in the coming years.
McNish emphasizes the importance of understanding the driver's needs and experiences in his role, drawing parallels between his past as a driver and his current responsibilities. Audi's strategy includes a five-year plan to become competitive, with a target set for 2030 to contend for championships. McNish's leadership and insights are seen as valuable assets as Audi navigates its first season in F1, aiming to establish itself as a formidable competitor in the sport.
theguardian.comSat 25 Jul · 07:00 UTC