Inside Audi’s Formula 1 Revolution: The R26 Concept and 2026 Team Launch

Audi is setting the stage for a new era in motorsport with the R26 Concept, a stunning preview of its first Formula 1 race car that will make its global debut in January 2026. This concept is more than a design study—it represents the foundation of Audi’s future identity, uniting innovation, design, and performance into one cohesive vision. The R26 Concept embodies the brand’s newly defined design philosophy built around four principles: clear, technical, intelligent, and emotional. Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella describes the Formula 1 project as a pioneering force for Audi’s next chapter, one that will reshape both the team and the brand worldwide.

The R26 Concept showcases minimalist surfaces and bold geometric cuts that flow naturally into the aerodynamic form of the car. The color palette merges titanium, carbon black, and the striking new Audi red—a combination designed to emphasize precision and power. Most notably, Audi’s famous rings will now appear in red for the Formula 1 project, signaling a bold and modern era for the company’s visual identity.

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is not just a sporting move; it’s a strategic decision that reflects its technological ambitions and cultural realignment. Formula 1 offers an extraordinary platform for innovation, with over 820 million fans globally and a massive 1.6 billion television viewership during the 2024 season. The sport’s strict cost cap ensures a fair playing field and financial sustainability, while its immense exposure opens doors for global sponsorships. Audi has already secured major partners including adidas, bp, and Revolut, further underlining the commercial potential of its Formula 1 program.

At the beginning of 2025, Audi took full ownership of the Sauber Group in Switzerland, establishing a solid foundation for its Formula 1 team. This move also attracted Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund as an investor, marking a major milestone in Audi’s racing ambitions. Leading the Formula 1 project are seasoned professionals Mattia Binotto, formerly of Ferrari, and Jonathan Wheatley, both reporting directly to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. On the driver lineup, Audi will rely on experience and youth, combining the steady hands of Nico Hülkenberg from Germany with the promising energy of Brazilian newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto.

According to Audi CFO Jürgen Rittersberger, Formula 1 is far more than a racing series. “It’s emotion, technology, and entertainment combined,” he says. “With its massive audience, Formula 1 allows us to connect with younger generations and bring new excitement to the brand. Thanks to the cost cap, Formula 1 has become more financially sustainable than ever before.”

Audi’s deep motorsport heritage gives this project strong credibility. The company’s legacy includes innovations such as mid-engine Grand Prix designs, quattro all-wheel drive systems, and cutting-edge hybrid and electric powertrains in Le Mans, Dakar, and Formula E. Now, Audi is applying that same spirit to Formula 1, using the series as a proving ground for sustainable fuels and advanced hybrid technologies that will influence future road cars.

The timing could not be more perfect. Formula 1 will undergo major regulation changes in 2026, particularly around power units and chassis design. Audi has been preparing for this shift since 2022, developing its own hybrid powertrain at its facility in Neuburg an der Donau—Germany’s only Formula 1 operational base. The system includes a 1.6-liter V6 internal combustion engine with turbocharging, a sophisticated energy recovery system, and an electric motor generator unit. The electric output will be three times more powerful than before, creating a balance between electric and combustion performance.

Audi has partnered with bp to develop sustainable fuels for its new power unit. After two years of development, the complete system recently ran its first full simulation, proving its readiness for real-world testing. However, Formula 1 regulations prohibit on-track testing until early 2026, so Audi is relying heavily on virtual simulations and digital development tools to refine every component before its official debut.

Production of the Formula 1 car takes place at Audi’s facility in Hinwil, Switzerland, with a new technology office established in Bicester, United Kingdom, to access top-tier engineering talent from Motorsport Valley. These teams work in harmony to integrate the chassis and powertrain, ensuring that every detail meets Audi’s high standards of performance and precision.

The big moment will arrive in January 2026 with the team’s official unveiling. The first on-track tests are planned for Barcelona later that month, followed by public testing in Bahrain in mid-February. Then, from March 6 to 8, Audi will officially debut in Melbourne, marking a new milestone for both the company and Formula 1.

Audi’s leap into Formula 1 is more than a racing story—it’s a statement of intent. It’s about pushing the limits of innovation, embracing sustainable performance, and reigniting the brand’s competitive spirit. The R26 Concept captures that ambition perfectly, blending precision design, advanced engineering, and human passion in a way only Audi can.