FIRST LOOK: Audi reveal their new car for 2026 F1 season

Audi have revealed their first-ever Formula 1 car with a stunning launch event at Kraftwerk Berlin.

The German manufacturer, who first announced their intention to enter F1 back in August 2022, will make their Grand Prix debut in Australia with a machine that will be powered by their inaugural F1 Power Unit.

Audi opted to mark their arrival as a full works Formula 1 team with a spectacular event at a historic power station in the heart of the German capital.

Audi CEO Gernot Dollner was joined by Head of Audi F1 project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley and the team’s drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who raced together last year.

Audi, who have enjoyed immense success in other motorsport, unveiled the R26 that featured a striking titanium, carbon fibre and lava red livery first teased at a launch event in Munich last November.

While Audi have big ambitions, they understand the scale of the challenge that faces them to become a leading contender in Formula 1.

“Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi," said Dollner. "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 when they did a filming day at Barcelona earlier this month. Following the launch in Berlin, the German squad will head back to Barcelona for Shakedown Week where all 11 Formula 1 squads can run for three days.

“The strategic decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is our single greatest asset," said Mattia Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project.

"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."

Wheatley, who joined the Hinwil-based team after nearly two decades at Red Bull, added: "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."

Veteran Hulkenberg teams up with Bortoleto for a second campaign together. The duo dovetailed well as a partnership last year with Hulkenberg scoring his maiden podium and Bortoleto taking five points finishes in his rookie year.

"Having been in the Formula 1 paddock for many years, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability," said Nico Hulkenberg. "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 added: "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.

"I feel the weight of the responsibility, but more than that, I feel an incredible motivation to learn, to push, and to grow with this team. I am ready to give my absolute all to help write this great chapter for Audi Revolut F1 Team."