Audi Unveils Striking 2026 F1 Car In Berlin Launch

The curtain has officially risen on a bold new chapter for Formula 1, as Audi unveiled its much-anticipated 2026 F1 car and livery at a dramatic launch event in Berlin on January 20, 2026. The German automotive giant, renowned for its storied history in motorsport, has finally entered the world’s premier racing series as a full factory team, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative era on and off the track.

With the industrial backdrop of Kraftwerk Berlin, Audi’s presentation was nothing short of spectacular. The event, live-streamed globally from 7 p.m. CET, drew fans and media alike to witness the reveal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s striking R26 machine. The launch was attended by a who’s who of Audi’s new F1 operation: CEO Gernot Dollner, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, and the team’s race drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.

For Audi, this moment is the culmination of years of meticulous preparation and strategic decision-making. The company first declared its F1 intentions back in August 2022, but the journey from announcement to reality has been a testament to Audi’s commitment. As Gernot Dollner put it during the event, “Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi. 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.'”

That future is built on an unprecedented level of integration and technical ambition. Audi acquired the former Sauber squad, which means the team’s chassis and race operations will continue at the Hinwil facility in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the all-new power unit—a critical component under the 2026 regulations—is being developed at Audi’s state-of-the-art facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany, with additional technical support from a UK technology center in Bicester. This triad of engineering hubs is designed to give Audi total control over its Formula 1 destiny.

Mattia Binotto, who now oversees Audi’s F1 project, highlighted the strategic advantages of this full works approach: “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.”

At the heart of the Berlin event was the debut of the R26, Audi’s first-ever Formula 1 car. The car’s livery—a blend of titanium, carbon fibre, and lava red—immediately caught the eye, reflecting both Audi’s engineering prowess and its design heritage. The team kit, produced by Adidas, completed the visual identity, signaling Audi’s intent to make a statement both on and off the grid.

But the launch was about more than aesthetics. Audi’s entry coincides with the most significant regulatory overhaul in recent F1 history. The 2026 rules will see the introduction of 100% sustainable fuel, a move to movable wings replacing the traditional DRS, and a dramatic increase in the electrical power of hybrid systems. For Audi, these changes represent both a challenge and an opportunity—to showcase its technological innovation and sustainability credentials on a global stage.

Jonathan Wheatley, who takes the helm as Team Principal after a long stint at Red Bull, was candid about the task ahead: “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.”

The driver lineup pairs the experienced Nico Hülkenberg with rising star Gabriel Bortoleto. Hülkenberg, who broke his long-standing podium drought with a third-place finish at the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, brings a wealth of experience and a renewed sense of purpose. He reflected on joining Audi at such a pivotal moment: “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.”

Bortoleto, fresh off a solid rookie season where he picked up 19 points and finished 19th in the standings, was equally enthusiastic: “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. I am ready to give my absolute all to help write this great chapter for Audi Revolut F1 Team.”

The team’s ambitions are as bold as the event itself. Audi has made no secret of its desire to become a front-runner, with the stated goal of fighting for the World Championship by 2030. That’s no small feat, especially considering Sauber’s recent history: the team finished ninth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship with 70 points. Yet, the mood in Berlin was one of optimism mixed with realism. As Binotto noted, “This is the foundation upon which championships are built.”

In the lead-up to their Grand Prix debut in Australia, Audi has already put its new car through its paces, running a 2026-spec machine during a filming day in Barcelona earlier this month. Next up is Shakedown Week in Barcelona, where all 11 F1 squads will have three days to test their new challengers. For Audi, these early laps are crucial—an opportunity to iron out the inevitable teething problems and start building the operational excellence required to compete at the highest level.

Fans and media can follow the team’s progress via the newly launched Audi Revolut F1 Team Content Hub, which promises exclusive content, news, and behind-the-scenes insights throughout the season. For a company intent on inspiring new audiences and redefining its brand, this digital push is a natural extension of Audi’s broader transformation.

As the dust settles on a memorable night in Berlin, one thing is clear: Audi isn’t just joining Formula 1—they’re aiming to shake it up. With a blend of technical innovation, long-term vision, and a passionate team, the Audi Revolut F1 Team has thrown down the gauntlet. The journey to Melbourne and beyond has only just begun, but the Four Rings have already made their presence felt in the world of Formula 1.