Audi has pulled the covers off the colour scheme set to define their maiden Formula 1 car, which hits the grid in 2026, unveiling the look during a high-tempo showcase at their Munich hub.
The German marque, long decorated with silverware across global motorsport, will enter F1 next season with an all-new chassis and in-house power unit conceived under the incoming 2026 regulations – having formally taken over the Sauber entry.
Since confirming their F1 commitment back in 2022, Audi has been steadily expanding their Neuburg power unit facility in Germany, upgrading Sauber’s Hinwil headquarters in Switzerland, where the race team and chassis operations will sit, and launching a UK Technology Centre in Bicester to plug directly into the rich engineering ecosystem of Motorsport Valley.
Gabriel Bortoleto – who stepped up with Sauber this year – will remain in place alongside seasoned campaigner Nico Hülkenberg, fresh from claiming his first-ever F1 podium at Silverstone in the summer, with both drivers signed on as part of Audi’s new era.
The pair joined Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, Head of the Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, and Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley on stage as the brand lifted the curtain on its vision for Formula 1 at a dedicated event inside the Audi Brand Experience Centre on Wednesday evening.
There, the team presented a concept livery that they said “provides a very distinct preview of the colour scheme and design of the brand’s first Formula 1 race car, which will be unveiled in January 2026.”
The palette revolves around titanium, carbon black and the unmistakable Audi red, while the iconic four rings take pride of place in the design. The ambition is clear: to field “the most striking car on the race track” when the lights go out in 2026.
Victories may not arrive overnight, but the long-term mission leaves no room for ambiguity – Audi intend to fight at the front.
“Motorsport is part of the Audi DNA and has always been the driving force behind technological progress and innovation,” said Döllner. “By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement.
“It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi.
“We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight.
“It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”
Guiding the technical and organisational charge is Binotto, who brings nearly three decades of Ferrari F1 experience to the project. He echoed Döllner’s vision of pushing Audi into title contention within five years.
“The Audi F1 Project is the most exciting project in motorsports, if not in sports overall,” said Binotto. “The goal is clear: to fight for championships by 2030.
“That journey takes time, the right people, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a journey of progress.
“Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation. That’s why we follow a three-phased approach: starting as a challenger with the ambition to grow, evolving into a competitor by daring the status quo and achieving first successes, and ultimately becoming a champion.”
How Wheatley is reshaping Sauber into Audi’s works team
Wheatley, who arrived earlier this year after an 18-season spell as Red Bull’s Sporting Director, emphasised the human side of building a new works operation.
“This journey is not just about the destination but about engaging with the people who make every step possible. It is about your mindset, focus, resilience and confidence without complacency.
“Championship-winning teams are not built on magic – they are built on people who believe in each other, in the process, and in the destination. Our drivers, Nico and Gabi, embody that spirit. They bring passion and hunger and treat every lap as a chance to learn and move forward.”
Both Bortoleto and Hülkenberg signed multi-year agreements upon joining Sauber, ensuring continuity as the team transitions to full Audi works status.
“Being part of Audi feels like a dream come true for me,” said Bortoleto. “My big idol is Ayrton Senna. And it was Ayrton Senna who brought Audi to Brazil.
“When the Audi F1 Project started and I was given the chance to be part of it, it was like a gift for me. I am living my dream of driving in Formula 1 – and with Audi, a team that we are building from scratch.”
Hülkenberg – who debuted in F1 back in 2010 and finally stood on the podium in his 239th Grand Prix earlier this year – has become a consistent points-scoring presence for Sauber.
“You can sense that something big is happening here,” he said. “The team’s energy and ambitions are impressive, and the project’s positive atmosphere is truly tangible.
“This is the beginning of a long journey, and that’s exactly what motivates me.”
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