Audi has revealed the silver, black and red livery for its first Formula 1 car, the R26, at a launch event in Berlin. The German manufacturer, entering as a full works team after acquiring Sauber, aims to challenge for championships by 2030 despite a humble start. Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will spearhead the effort under team principal Jonathan Wheatley.
Audi's entry into Formula 1 marks a significant milestone for the brand, known for its successes in Le Mans, Dakar, and Formula E. The launch on January 20, 2026, at Kraftwerk Berlin showcased the R26, featuring a predominantly silver body with black engine cover and red accents, prominently displaying title sponsor Revolut. This design builds on a concept unveiled in November 2025.
The team, rebranded from Sauber after Audi's full acquisition in 2024, operates from Hinwil, Switzerland, with power units developed in Neuburg, Germany, and a technology center in Bicester, UK. Audi first announced its F1 intentions in August 2022, investing heavily to transform the midfield outfit that finished ninth in 2025 with 70 points, including Hulkenberg's podium at Silverstone.
Team principal Jonathan Wheatley emphasized realism: "You have to be realistic about where you're starting from, and you also have to be humble about the challenge that's ahead of you. You don't just turn up and beat teams like Ferrari and Red Bull... Our plan is to be a challenger, then a competitor and then a champion."
Head of project Mattia Binotto highlighted the five-year timeline: "We declared that objective not only to manage expectations for fans, but internally as well. And they know it's difficult." CEO Gernot Dollner added, "We aim to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030."
The R26 completed its first track run on January 9, 2026, during a filming day in Barcelona, providing initial data for the new power unit with its 50-50 split between combustion and electric energy. Pre-season testing begins in Barcelona from January 26-30, followed by Bahrain sessions in February, ahead of the Melbourne opener on March 8.
Technical director James Key noted the focus: "We're concentrating on lots of laps and reliability... We need to get track data for them." While optimistic about long-term potential, Audi anticipates challenges as a new power unit manufacturer amid 2026's major regulation changes.
Hulkenberg, entering his 14th F1 season, said, "What I feel here today is a profound seriousness and an incredible energy." Rookie Bortoleto added, "To race for the Four Rings... is a dream come true."
This debut aligns with F1's push for sustainability, leveraging Audi's hybrid expertise, though experts predict a learning curve against established rivals.
