Audi reveal the R26, their first Formula 1 car

F1 Grand Prix, GP Mexico, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez

Audi have officially presented their first-ever Formula 1 car, staging a dramatic reveal inside the historic Kraftwerk power station in Berlin. The event marks the next major milestone in the German manufacturer’s journey toward their Grand Prix debut in 2026, following their initial announcement of intent back in August 2022.

The team will enter the championship as a full works outfit, fielding a car powered by Audi’s inaugural Formula 1 Power Unit. Their first race will take place in Australia, where the new machine — designated R26 — will turn a wheel in competition for the very first time.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner headlined the launch alongside Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, and race drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. The R26 appeared in a striking titanium, carbon fibre and lava red livery, an evolution of the colour scheme first teased in Munich last November.

“Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi,” said Döllner. “Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motorsport, and we are here not just to compete, but to define the future of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’

“This project is a catalyst for our entire company, a symbol of our transformation towards a more performance-driven, efficient, and innovative culture. Our philosophy is one of absolute, long-term commitment.

“We understand that success in Formula 1 demands relentless perseverance and Audi Revolut F1 Team is not here to make up the numbers; we aim to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030.”

Audi were the first team to run a 2026-spec car, completing a filming day in Barcelona earlier this month. After the Berlin launch, the squad will return to Spain for Shakedown Week, where all 11 teams will have three days of running.

Binotto emphasised the strategic advantage of Audi’s fully integrated structure.

“The strategic decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is our single greatest asset,” he said. “We have spent the last few years meticulously building not just a power unit in Neuburg but laying the foundations for a technical organisation that binds our chassis development in Hinwil and Bicester.

“This seamless integration gives us total control over our destiny, eliminating compromises and enabling a level of agility and innovation that is essential for success.

“This is what makes Audi Revolut F1 Team one vision, controlling every variable from the engine block to the front wing. This is the foundation upon which championships are built.”

Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley echoed that sentiment, highlighting the collective effort behind the R26.

“This car is the physical embodiment of thousands of hours of hard work from a hugely talented group of people across our facilities.

“Today, we start this journey with immense pride, but also with humility. This is just day one of a long campaign. Our mission is to embed a championship DNA into every fibre of this team.

“A culture of resilience, precision, and relentless curiosity where we stop at nothing to find performance. For everyone here, the excitement comes from this challenge: to build a team that gets stronger with every lap, every debrief, and every race. We will turn our long-term ambition into on-track reality, day by day, decision by decision.”

Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will contest their second season together in 2026. Hülkenberg delivered his first Formula 1 podium last year, while Bortoleto impressed with five points finishes in his rookie campaign.

“Having been in the Formula 1 paddock for many years, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability,” said Hülkenberg. “What I feel here today is a profound seriousness and an incredible energy that sets this team apart.

“We are a true works team with a clear, long-term vision backed by immense resources and world-class expertise. For a driver, the proposition of being with Audi at the very start of its journey is exceptionally exciting. We have the chance to build something very special together and I am looking forward to get this car on the track in Melbourne.”

Bortoleto described the opportunity as a defining moment in his career.

“To race for the Four Rings, a brand that has such an iconic and victorious history in motorsport is, quite simply, a dream come true. You grow up hearing about the dominance of Audi at Le Mans and in rallying, and to now be chosen to carry that legacy into Formula 1 is an unbelievable honour. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.

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