F1 News & Updates
Audi Shows Off Their First Ever F1 Car
The German carmaker showcased its R26 Concept as it prepares for its debut in Formula 1 in 2026.
Audi unveiled its 2026 F1 challenger, the R26, at a glittering event in Berlin. The team took over from Sauber at the end of last year, and retains the same driver lineup: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Wheatley And Binnoto at The Helm
Audi will be raring to go in 2026 as the newest set of regulations enters the fray this season.
Among the changes being introduced in 2026 are active aerodynamics with front and rear wings that can be adjusted while driving.
Drivers will use a ‘boost mode’ button instead of the previous Drag Reduction System (DRS). This new system will deliver maximum additional electric power at the push of a button.
The men who will lead the Audi works team are Jonathan Wheatley and former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who is head of the F1 project.
58-year-old Wheatley is vastly experienced in F1, having entered the fray 35 years ago with Benetton. He was involved in Michael Schumacher’s first two world championship wins and was part of the Renault team that saw Fernando Alonso win back-to-back drivers’ titles in the mid-2000s.
The Briton said: “This car (R26) is the physical embodiment of thousands of hours of hard work from a hugely talented group of people across our facilities
Eye on the Prize
The team has a lot of work to do and hit the ground running earlier this month. According to F1.com, Audi was the first team to run a 2026-spec car when they did a filming day at Barcelona.
Gernot Döllner Audi CEO said: “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,” Döllner said.
Shakedown, Testing, and Then the First Grand Prix
The next major milestone for the team will be the shakedown of the new generation cars, which will take place behind closed doors at Barcelona from January 26 to 30.
The team will then regroup at its headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland, and Bicester, where it has a factory. They will mull over the data from the shakedown test before the official test sessions start in Bahrain.
There’ll be two tests from February 11 to 13 and February 18 to 20.
The R26 will complete its final test laps before its first participation in a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Australia on March 6.
Veteran driver Hulkenberg, who bagged his first podium finish in 2025, said: “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 getting this car on the track in Melbourne.“
