Audi’s long-anticipated entry into Formula 1 is no longer a future promise—it is now firmly in motion. At a team presentation in Berlin, Audi executives and team leadership unveiled the Audi R26 and outlined the final preparations ahead of the brand’s debut season under the radically revised 2026 Formula 1 regulations.
“Today, many pieces of the puzzle are coming together,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of Audi Motorsport. “For the first time, the full strength of this project is visible. We are ready to inspire people around the world by competing in Formula 1.”
Audi is scheduled to make its Formula 1 race debut at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, marking a historic moment for the brand at the pinnacle of global motorsport.
The Audi R26: First Signs of a New Works Team
The Audi R26 represents the foundation of Audi’s factory-backed Formula 1 effort. Its hybrid power unit, officially named the AFR 26 Hybrid, has been developed entirely in-house at Audi’s Neuburg an der Donau facility, underscoring the company’s commitment to technical independence.
The power unit was first integrated into the chassis shortly before Christmas at the team’s Hinwil base. Early validation continued on January 9, when the Audi R26 completed its first rollout at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during a filming day. While mileage was limited, the test marked a critical milestone in bringing Audi’s F1 project from development to reality.
Formula 1’s 2026 Reset Aligns with Audi’s Strategy
Audi’s arrival coincides with one of the most dramatic regulatory changes in Formula 1 history. When the championship enters its 77th season in 2026, cars will feature active aerodynamics with adjustable front and rear wings, while the long-standing DRS system will be replaced by a driver-activated boost mode.
This boost function delivers maximum additional electric power at the push of a button, designed to support overtaking and defensive maneuvers. Under the new rules, the electric motor will produce up to 350 kW—nearly matching the output of the 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged combustion engine, which generates around 400 kW and runs exclusively on sustainable fuel.
Audi has partnered with bp to develop this next-generation fuel, aligning the Formula 1 program closely with the brand’s broader sustainability and electrification goals.
Team Identity, Drivers and a New Visual Language
Alongside the car, Audi introduced the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s visual identity, including race livery, team apparel and driver overalls. Drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg will represent the brand during the 2026 season, supported by Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project.
The launch also marked the debut of a dedicated corporate identity created specifically for the Formula 1 team. New colors, a bespoke font family and a unified design language aim to distinguish Audi’s F1 presence across the racetrack, digital platforms and fan engagement channels, while remaining unmistakably Audi.
The team’s fan collection will go on sale from February 19 through the team’s website and adidas.
A Launch Event Blending Motorsport Past and Future
The Berlin presentation took place at the former Mitte heating plant, a striking industrial venue that provided a glimpse of Audi’s future Formula 1 aesthetic. The event featured an immersive visual show, historic Audi race cars and a showcase of the brand’s most powerful production vehicle to date.
The Audi RS e-tron GT performance, producing 680 kW (980 hp), was displayed as a symbolic bridge between Audi’s road-car electrification strategy and its Formula 1 ambitions. In terms of sheer output, it approaches the power levels of the Audi R26 itself.
Testing Schedule: From Shakedown to Race Debut
Audi’s next major milestone will be the private shakedown of the new generation of Formula 1 cars, scheduled to take place behind closed doors in Barcelona from January 26 to 30.
This will be followed by official pre-season testing in Bahrain across two sessions, from February 11–13 and February 18–20. These tests will provide the Audi R26 with its final validation laps before the brand lines up on the grid for its first Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Formula 1 as a Strategic Flagship for Audi
Audi views Formula 1 as more than a motorsport program—it is a cornerstone of the company’s strategic realignment. The project reflects Audi’s evolving technological focus, cultural transformation and long-term business ambitions.
The introduction of a strict cost cap has made Formula 1 economically viable for manufacturers, while the sport’s global reach offers unparalleled brand exposure. At the same time, the increased emphasis on electrification and sustainable fuels under the 2026 regulations closely mirrors Audi’s road-car development priorities.
Motorsport has long been embedded in Audi’s DNA, from early Grand Prix engineering breakthroughs to quattro all-wheel drive in rallying, diesel and hybrid dominance at Le Mans, and electric competition in Formula E and the Dakar Rally. The Formula 1 project is intended to build on that legacy.
New Content Hub Launched for Media and Fans
Coinciding with the team presentation, Audi Revolut F1 Team launched a dedicated Content Hub, designed as a central platform for news, insights and race-weekend updates.
Media representatives can register for access to official releases and exclusive material, while fans gain a direct channel into the team’s journey toward its first Formula 1 season.