Audi has officially unveiled its first Formula One car ahead of its debut season in the sport, marking a significant milestone for the German manufacturer following its acquisition of the Sauber team. The new single seater, named the Audi R26, was presented on Tuesday as the brand confirmed its long term ambition to compete for world championships by 2030.
The Audi R26 features a predominantly grey livery, complemented by red accents and the four rings of the Audi logo displayed prominently on the rear wing. The design reflects the manufacturer’s intention to deliver a distinctive and refined visual identity as it begins its Formula One journey. Audi representatives described the car as an elegant and striking addition to the grid as the team prepares for a new era under its own branding.
The driver line up remains unchanged following the transition, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto retained for the 2026 season. Both drivers raced for Sauber last year and will continue to play a central role as the team develops its project under Audi ownership.
Audi reveal the R26, their first Formula 1 car, ahead of the team's debut season! 🤩💪#F1 pic.twitter.com/JYc6k6urae
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 20, 2026
Mattia Binotto, who leads the programme, explained that the introduction of the 2026 technical regulations created an ideal opportunity for Audi to enter Formula One. Team principal Jonathan Wheatley highlighted the collective effort behind the project, stating that the car represents thousands of hours of work from staff across multiple facilities. He added that the team is approaching its debut with pride and humility, while focusing on building a culture centred on performance development, resilience and precision.
Wheatley also underlined that Audi’s objectives will be pursued step by step, with progress measured through continuous improvement on and off the track. The emphasis, he said, is on creating a team that becomes stronger with every race and every technical evaluation.
The Audi R26 is scheduled to make its first appearance on track next week during closed door testing at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. These sessions will allow the team to begin evaluating performance ahead of the new Formula One season, as Audi officially joins the championship grid alongside the established manufacturers.
