Audi has revealed the livery for its debut F1 season. The R26 F1 racer shown at the launch event, held at Kraftwerk Berlin, was only a show car displaying the team’s visual identity. Audi has already completed an early shakedown of the R26, and fans can expect to see some more clear images of the car once testing officially gets underway.
- Audi will operate as a works team, building its own power unit
- Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto to drive for the team
Audi R26 livery revealed
The R26 will feature Audi’s signature Titanium finish, contrasted with exposed carbon fibre and vibrant Lava Red accents. These were first teased with the R26 concept shown last year.
After tasting success in several different disciplines of motorsport, Audi is finally joining the F1 grid this year, taking over Sauber’s operations. 2026 also ushers in sweeping changes in F1, including new power units with a near 50-50 power split between petrol and electric, active aerodynamics and sustainable fuel blends. Audi will run as a works team from the very start, which means that the R26 will be powered by a power unit built in-house.
"The strategic decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is our single greatest asset," said Mattia Binotto, head of the 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.”
He added, “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."
Audi targeting F1 title by 2030
Audi has already outlined a bold target to win the F1 championship by 2030. But the team is also aware that there is a tremendous learning curve for any new team. In line with that, Audi is hoping to start its journey by establishing its processes and fighting for points.
“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,” said Audi Revolut F1 team principal Jonathan Wheatley.
“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."
Last year’s Sauber drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, will both stay with the team for Audi’s debut F1 season. Pre-season testing gets underway with a five-day private session that will be held at Barcelona, starting from January 26. Teams will then head to Bahrain for two more test sessions in February before the season kicks off with the Australian GP on March 6-8.
