First Look at Audi’s R26 as New F1 Team Joins in 2026

Audi R26 F1 Car

Image Credit: Formula 1

Audi have revealed their first-ever Formula 1 car in a high-profile launch event at Kraftwerk Berlin, marking the next major step in the brand’s entry into the sport. The German manufacturer, which first announced its intention to join Formula 1 in August 2022, will now prepare for its Grand Prix debut in Australia with Audi F1 (The R26) as a full works team.

The Audi F1 2026 Reveal was staged at a historic power station in the centre of Berlin, with the event designed to underline the scale of Audi’s ambition. Audi opted for the Kraftwerk Berlin Launch to make a clear statement about its arrival, introducing the car that will be powered by the team’s inaugural Neuburg Power Unit.

Audi CEO Gernot Dollner attended the unveiling alongside Head of the Audi F1 project Mattia Binotto F1, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, and drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. The driver pairing raced together last year and will now form the line-up leading Audi’s first campaign as a German F1 Team on the grid.

The R26 was presented with a distinctive design package, featuring a titanium, carbon fibre and lava red colour scheme. The Audi R26 Livery, described as a Titanium Lava Red Livery, was first teased during a launch event in Munich last November, but the Berlin presentation marked the first full public reveal of the car’s appearance.

Audi arrive in Formula 1 with a reputation built on major success in other categories, but the team has acknowledged the level of challenge required to become a front-running force in Grand Prix racing. Dollner described the moment as more than a simple car launch, presenting the project as a wider commitment for the company.

“Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi,” Dollner said. He described Formula 1 as the most demanding stage in motorsport and said Audi is entering with the intention of defining the future of its “Vorsprung durch Technik” identity. He added that the programme is a catalyst for change across the company and a sign of long-term commitment.

Dollner also set out the team’s target, saying Audi Revolut Team is aiming to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030. The statement reinforced that this is being treated as a long-term operation rather than a short-term participation effort.

Audi have already taken an early step on track, having run a 2026-spec car during a filming day in Barcelona earlier this month. That outing meant Audi became the first team to run a 2026 car, giving the F1 New Entry 2026 valuable early running before broader testing activity begins.

Following the Berlin launch, Audi will return to Barcelona for Shakedown Week, where all 11 Formula 1 teams are permitted to run across three days. The sessions are expected to provide an early opportunity for teams to validate systems and prepare for the new era.

Binotto said Audi’s decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is one of the project’s biggest advantages. He explained that the last few years have been spent building not only the power unit operation in Neuburg, but also a technical organisation designed to connect different parts of the project into one structure.

He highlighted how Audi’s chassis development is tied to Hinwil and Bicester, and described the benefit of integration as total control over key elements of performance. Binotto said this approach reduces compromises and supports agility and innovation, which he described as essential for success. In his words, it creates one vision that links everything from the engine block to the front wing, forming the foundation on which championships are built.

Wheatley said the R26 is the result of thousands of hours of work from staff across the team’s facilities. He described the launch as a proud moment, while also stressing that it represents only the first stage of a much longer journey.

Wheatley said the mission is to embed championship-level standards throughout the team, building a culture of resilience, precision, and constant performance searching. He added that the challenge is to create an organisation that improves with every lap, every debrief, and every race, turning long-term ambition into progress step by step.

The driver line-up will see Hulkenberg and Bortoleto continue as team-mates for a second campaign together. Their partnership worked well last year, with Hulkenberg scoring his maiden podium and Bortoleto recording five points finishes in his rookie season. Audi will now rely on that experience and continuity as it begins life in Formula 1.

Hulkenberg said that after many years in the paddock, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability. He described what he sees at Audi as serious intent and strong energy, supported by resources and expertise. He said being involved from the start of Audi’s Formula 1 journey is especially exciting and said he is looking forward to getting the car on track in Melbourne.

Bortoleto said racing for the Four Rings is a dream, describing Audi’s motorsport history as iconic and successful. He said being selected to carry that legacy into Formula 1 is a major honour and described the opportunity as one he wants to fully commit to. He added that he feels the responsibility of the role alongside strong motivation to learn, improve, and grow with the team.

As Audi move from launch presentation into their first competitive season, focus will shift from visuals and messaging to delivery on track. For now, the car reveal offers the clearest first look at Audi F1 (The R26), with Audi R26 technical specs: Everything we know about the first Audi F1 car expected to build further as more running and evaluation take place ahead of the 2026 season.

This content was adapted from an article in Formula1