Monaco's New Power Player: The Audi Nuvolari
The roar of an F1 engine is one thing, but the growl of a brand-new, 1000+ horsepower supercar on the iconic streets of Monaco? That's an entirely different beast! Ahead of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, Audi F1 drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto traded their single-seaters for a thrilling test drive of the highly anticipated Audi Nuvolari supercar.
Key Points:
- Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto took the Audi Nuvolari supercar for hot laps in Monaco.
- The limited-production Nuvolari boasts 1001 PS from a 4.0-litre biturbo V8, hitting 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds.
- Drivers praised its "overall package," precise handling, and remarkable balance on track.
- The supercar and team livery pay homage to pre-war racing legend, Tazio Nuvolari.
Raw Power Meets F1 Precision
Named after the legendary pre-war racing icon Tazio Nuvolari, this limited-production marvel is a true powerhouse. Under its sleek hood lies a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine, unleashing a staggering 1001 PS. This propels the **Audi Nuvolari** from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 2.6 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 6.8 seconds, topping out at over 350 km/h. It's not just fast; it's a statement.
Witnessing the sole pre-production model being put through its paces by two top-tier drivers like Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, with Audi CEO Gernot Dollner present, underscores the significance of this machine to Audi Sport.
Driver Verdict: Unanimous Praise for the Nuvolari
For an **F1** driver, feedback on a car's dynamics is paramount. Nico Hulkenberg was effusive in his praise, highlighting the supercar's complete package. "For me, what truly counts is the overall package - that is, how the car feels, how precisely it responds, and how well performance and drivability complement each other," he stated. "The Nuvolari really has a lot to offer, and the power of the high-performance hybrid powertrain - with over 1,000 PS - is truly impressive."
Team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto echoed this sentiment, focusing on the car's remarkable balance. "What stands out immediately is how clean and predictable the car feels on turn-in. There’s basically no understeer, which is impressive given the level of performance," Bortoleto explained. "The balance stays very neutral and precise, giving you the confidence to carry speed through the corners. You can clearly feel how the different systems - especially the aerodynamics and torque distribution - work together as one."
A Homage to Speed: Nuvolari's Enduring Legacy
The spirit of **Tazio Nuvolari** isn't just in the name of this incredible machine. The **Audi F1** team has integrated yellow accents onto its **R26** car as a direct tribute to the legendary racer. Furthermore, **Nico Hulkenberg** debuted a special helmet design, ensuring the legacy of **Nuvolari** is visible on motorsport's most iconic stage.
On Track: Audi's F1 Journey Continues
While the focus was on the sensational supercar, the **F1** drivers still had their primary task in mind. For the **2026 Monaco Grand Prix**, **Hulkenberg** qualified in 13th and **Bortoleto** in 16th. In the drivers' standings, Bortoleto currently holds 15th, with **Hulkenberg** in 18th. **Audi**, which joined the grid as a works team in **2026** after taking over Sauber, sits ninth in the constructors' standings. This supercar test serves as a powerful reminder of **Audi**'s commitment to high performance, both on and off the track.
