Audi announced its entry into F1 by unveiling a sleek 2026 livery at a glamorous launch event in Berlin.
Audi will be making its first F1 appearance after taking over the former Sauber team, but it is also taking on the huge challenge of producing its own engine.
Their entry into the sport coincides with the introduction of new engine and chassis regulations, with the more sustainable nature of the former becoming a key factor for German brands hoping to join the grid.
The team had already shared the livery concept at last November’s event, but the final product was unveiled on Tuesday, adding title sponsor Revolut to the titanium silver and bright Audi red bodywork, and the brand’s four-ring logo on the carbon black engine cover.
Gernot Dorner, CEO of the entire Audi brand, revealed the ambitious goals the company has set for its new F1 team: “We all share one clear vision: to compete at the highest level and fight for the championship by 2030.”
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortleto have formed the Swiss-based team’s driver line-up for the second year in a row, with the duo helping the team improve its results in its final year under the Sauber name.
Ninth place represented an improvement of one place, but the total of 70 points was his best since 2012, helped by Hulkenberg’s first F1 podium at the British Grand Prix on his 239th attempt.
Hulkenberg said: “We committed to this project in May 2024, so our expectations are high for this day and for it to become a reality, but I’m very happy that everything is happening now and it’s starting. The car is beautiful and we’re ready.”
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Gabriel Bortleto and Nico Hulkenberg share their thoughts on the new Audi R26, which has already been tested on the track.
Bortolet added: “For me, this is a dream come true. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project and an opportunity to create a historic legacy.”
Audi’s operations are spread across Europe, with chassis and race operations managed in Hinwil, Switzerland, power unit manufacturing in Neuberg, Germany, and the team also established a technology center in Bicester, England.
Binotto prepares for a ‘very eventful’ debut season at Audi
Despite the team’s apparently grand ambitions, Audi’s F1 project director Mattia Binotto admitted he was preparing for a “very eventful” 2026 season.
Audi’s challenge is heightened by the fact that it is producing its own engines for experienced manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda, as well as Red Bull, which is producing its own engines for the first time.
The sport’s new regulations mean each engine in 2026 will be built from scratch, but Audi’s lack of experience means it would be a big surprise if they were able to match their rivals right away.
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Audi F1 project director Mattia Binotto expects an “eventful 2026” as Audi establishes itself as a new brand team, with team principal Jonathan Wheatley setting “ambitious goals” for the season.
Speaking about the team’s long-term ambitions, Binotto told Sky Sports News:
“It’s not just the car on the track, it’s the end product of a big organization. We need to improve our skills: the infrastructure, the tools, the methodology, the organization. There’s still a lot of things that need to be done. But I think we’re aware of that and it’s part of our daily work.”
“We know it has to happen. We’re planning for it and we’re just going to get it done. So we’re acting according to our priorities.”
“We still want to perform well on the track, we still want to be the best we can, but we know that we are up against a strong competitor, a settled organization, and definitely those who were stronger before will remain as strong in 2026. So our 2026 season could be very eventful.”
When does F1 pre-season testing take place?
With the introduction of new regulations, a strong schedule of three separate test events is planned before the start of the 2026 season.
The first test will take place behind closed doors in Barcelona from January 26th to 30th, followed by two more tests in Bahrain from February 11th to 13th and 18th to 20th.
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F1 has outlined new regulation changes for 2026, including a replacement for DRS, in a plan to allow closer racing next year. Video provided by: F1
When was your first F1 race?
The team will then have two weeks to prepare for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6th to 8th.
The first practice session of the season will take place on Friday, March 6th, followed by qualifying on Saturday, March 7th and the opening race on Sunday, March 8th.
Sky Sports F1 lets you watch all 24 race weekends of the 2026 F1 season live. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
