Audi Unveils F1 Design Ahead of 2026 Debut

Audi has provided the first glimpse of its Formula 1 identity with the unveiling of the R26 Concept at its Brand Experience Center in Munich, 115 days before the team's competitive debut in March 2026.

The concept car previews the color scheme and design language that will feature on Audi's first Formula 1 race car, set to be fully revealed in January. The design incorporates minimalist graphics, geometric cuts, and a new color palette featuring titanium, carbon black, and a newly introduced Audi red. The brand will also deploy red rings selectively to emphasize its F1 presence.

"By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement," said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. "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."

Döllner outlined an ambitious timeline for the team, targeting World Championship contention by 2030 while acknowledging the challenges ahead. "We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win," he stated, adding that the company recognizes it takes time to become a top team.

The entry follows Audi's acquisition of the Sauber Group in Switzerland earlier this year, with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund subsequently joining as an investor. The team has secured partnerships with three global corporations: adidas, bp, and future title partner Revolut.

Audi's driver lineup combines experience and youth, pairing German veteran Nico Hülkenberg with Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Team leadership includes former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, both reporting directly to Döllner.

The German manufacturer has been developing its hybrid power unit at Neuburg an der Donau since spring 2022, making it the only operational F1 team location in Germany. The 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine, combined with an energy recovery system and electric motor, will comply with new 2026 regulations that triple electric motor output and mandate sustainable fuels.

CFO Jürgen Rittersberger emphasized the commercial rationale behind the entry, citing Formula 1's cost cap regulations and the series' appeal to younger demographics. With over 820 million fans globally and 1.6 billion TV viewers in 2024, Formula 1 offers significant brand exposure opportunities.

The team operates from three locations: power unit development in Neuburg, race car development and operations in Hinwil, Switzerland, and a technology office in Bicester, UK, providing access to the region known as "Motorsport Valley."

Testing will begin with official sessions in Barcelona at the end of January 2026, followed by public tests in Bahrain in February. Audi's Formula 1 debut race is scheduled for Melbourne, Australia, from March 6-8, 2026.