Audi has officially marked their arrival in Formula 1 by unveiling the R26’s race livery at a high-profile launch event in Berlin, ahead of the marque’s debut season in the championship.
The German manufacturer will compete in F1 for the first time in 2026 after completing its takeover of the former Sauber operation. Alongside inheriting the Swiss-based team, Audi is also undertaking the significant challenge of producing their own power unit in-house.
Audi’s entry aligns with the introduction of Formula 1’s new engine and chassis regulations, with the sport’s shift towards more sustainable powertrains playing a pivotal role in the brand’s decision to commit to the championship.
While Audi previously showcased an early livery concept at an event in November, Tuesday’s launch revealed the final design for the R26. The car features a titanium silver base complemented by bright Audi red accents, with title sponsor Revolut now fully integrated into the design. Audi’s iconic four-ring logo is prominently displayed on a carbon black engine cover.
Gernot Döllner, chief executive of the wider Audi brand, outlined the company’s long-term ambitions for its Formula 1 programme, stating:
“We all share one clear vision: to compete at the highest level and to fight for championships by 2030.”
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will continue as the team’s driver pairing for a second consecutive season, having helped deliver a step forward during the squad’s final year under the Sauber name.
The team finished ninth in the constructors’ standings in 2025 — a one-place improvement year-on-year — but more significantly amassed 70 points, their strongest tally since 2012. That campaign was highlighted by Nico Hulkenberg securing the first podium of his Formula 1 career at the 2025 British Grand Prix, achieved on his 239th race start.
Reflecting on the moment, Hulkenberg said:
“I committed to this project in May 2024, so the anticipation for this day and for it to become reality, just very happy it’s all happening now and it’s starting. The car is a beauty, so we’re ready to go.”
Gabriel Bortoleto echoed the sentiment, adding:
“For me it’s a dream coming true. It’s the type of project you have once in a lifetime. It’s the also the opportunity to create a legacy that will last in history.”
Audi’s Formula 1 operation is spread across multiple European locations. Chassis development and race operations remain based in Hinwil, Switzerland, power unit construction is handled in Neuburg, Germany, and a new technology centre has been established in Bicester, England.
Binotto prepared for ‘very bumpy’ Audi debut season
Despite Audi’s long-term championship aspirations, head of Audi’s F1 project Mattia Binotto has been candid about the challenges facing the team in its first year on the grid.
Audi’s task is made more complex by the decision to manufacture its own engine from the outset, placing them in direct competition with established power unit suppliers Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda, as well as Red Bull, who are producing their own engines for the first time.
Although all manufacturers are starting afresh under the 2026 regulations, Audi’s relative lack of experience means it would be unrealistic to expect immediate parity with the sport’s front-runners.
Discussing Audi’s roadmap, Binotto told Sky Sports News:
“The five years is what we set as an objective because there is much that we need to build.
“It’s not only the car on track, that’s the final product of a big organisation. Infrastructure, tools, methodology, the organisation, we need to ramp up skills – there is still much that’s required. But I think we are aware of it and that’s part of our daily task.
“We know it has to happen. We are planning for it and we will simply make it. So we are acting by priorities.
“We still want to do well on track, the best we can, but we that know we are competing against strong competitors, settled-down organisations and no doubt who were stronger before will stay stronger as well in 2026. So, our season 2026 can be very bumpy.”
Testing and season opener confirmed
With the introduction of all-new regulations, Formula 1 has scheduled three pre-season tests ahead of the opening race.
The first will take place behind closed doors in Barcelona from January 26-30. Two further tests will follow in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20.
After testing concludes, teams will have two weeks to finalise preparations for the championship’s opening round.
The 2026 Formula 1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8. Practice sessions start on Friday, 6 March, qualifying follows on Saturday, 7 March, and the first race of the new era takes place on Sunday, 8 March.
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