Audi Unveils Formula 1 Vision with R26 Concept

Audi has revealed the R26 Concept, previewing its Formula 1 design and brand identity ahead of its debut season in March 2026. Presented at the Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich, the R26 embodies the marque’s new design philosophy—clear, technical, intelligent, and emotional—and marks a bold step in the company’s transformation.

CEO Gernot Döllner described Formula 1 as the “next chapter” in Audi’s renewal, aiming to compete for the World Championship by 2030. The R26 Concept showcases the team’s livery in titanium, carbon black, and Audi red, including red rings symbolising its racing identity. Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella noted that Formula 1 will pioneer Audi’s unified design language across its entire brand.

Audi’s Formula 1 project serves as a flagship for innovation and global exposure, supported by partners adidas, bp, and Revolut. Having fully acquired the Sauber Group, Audi has brought on board Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund as an investor, with leadership from Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley. Drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will lead the team’s first campaign.

Since spring 2022, Audi has been developing its Formula 1 power unit in Neuburg an der Donau — the only operational F1 base in Germany. The powertrain combines a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine with an advanced hybrid system, including an energy recovery system (ERS), energy storage (ES), and an electric motor generator unit (MGU-K). A new hybrid concept triples the electric motor’s output, matching the combustion engine, which will run on sustainable fuels from 2026. Audi has partnered exclusively with bp for fuel development since 2022.

The team’s race cars are built in Hinwil, Switzerland, with a technology hub in Bicester, UK. Audi’s first official F1 appearance will take place at its team launch in January 2026, followed by its debut race in Melbourne on 6–8 March.

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