Audi Unveils R26 and Official Visual Identity Ahead of Historic 2026 Formula 1 Debut

Audi has officially ushered in a new chapter in its motorsport history with the global debut of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, revealed at Kraftwerk Berlin. The launch marked the public unveiling of the Audi R26, the car that will spearhead the German manufacturer’s first full works entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026. 

The Berlin event represents the culmination of a strategic transformation that began in 2022. Audi has now fully integrated its Formula 1 operations across three key European hubs: power unit development in Neuburg an der Donau, chassis design and race operations in Hinwil, Switzerland, and a newly established technical centre in Bicester, United Kingdom. This structure enables Audi to operate as a complete factory team, maintaining total control over both engine and chassis development.

Central to the launch was the presentation of Audi’s official Formula 1 visual identity. The R26 features a striking titanium-finish livery combined with exposed carbon fibre, accented by Lava Red detailing. The iconic Audi rings, reserved exclusively for the Formula 1 project, are prominently displayed, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to the championship. This visual language extends beyond the car itself, influencing the team’s paddock presentation and a new apparel range developed in partnership with Adidas.

Under the 2026 technical regulations, the Audi R26 will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine paired with a significantly enhanced electrical recovery system. The new rules mandate an almost equal power split between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, all while running on 100 percent sustainable fuels. Audi confirmed that power unit development has been underway in Neuburg for more than three years, with the first dynamic testing milestones already completed.

Audi AG CEO Gernot Döllner described the Formula 1 project as a cornerstone of the company’s broader technological transformation. He emphasized that Audi’s ambitions extend beyond participation, with a clear objective to compete for race victories and championships by the end of the decade. The project is overseen by Head of the Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, alongside Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley.

Binotto highlighted the advantages of Audi’s full works approach, noting that the close integration between power unit and chassis operations eliminates the compromises typically associated with customer-engine relationships. This unified structure, he explained, allows for greater technical freedom and faster development cycles.

On the sporting side, Audi will field an experienced yet forward-looking driver pairing. Nico Hülkenberg brings stability and technical expertise following his first Formula 1 podium in 2025, while Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 FIA Formula 2 champion, represents Audi’s long-term investment in emerging talent. Both drivers transition from the former Sauber operation, which Audi fully acquired earlier this year.

Audi’s title partnership with Revolut further signals a modernized operational model for the team. The fintech company will play a role in financial operations and digital commerce, with the official Audi F1 merchandise range scheduled for a global launch on 19 February 2026.

Following the Berlin unveiling, the Audi Revolut F1 Team will proceed to private testing in Barcelona before the R26 makes its first public appearance during official pre-season testing in Bahrain. Audi’s Formula 1 era will formally begin at the opening round of the 2026 season, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.