Frank Rondel
Audi has officially revealed their 2026 Formula 1 car, the R26, during a high-profile launch event held at Kraftwerk Berlin, signaling the German manufacturer’s full entry into F1 competition, reports customreceipt.com via Formula 1. The team will make its Grand Prix debut at the Australian Grand Prix with the new car powered by Audi’s first F1 Power Unit. CEO Gernot Dollner, Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, and drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto were present for the launch, highlighting Audi’s ambition to establish itself as a major contender in the sport.
The R26 sports a striking titanium, carbon fibre, and lava red livery, first previewed at a Munich event last November. Audi’s debut in Formula 1 represents a major strategic move, building on the company’s extensive success in other motorsport disciplines. The launch at Berlin’s historic power station was intended to showcase the full integration of Audi’s technical capabilities, from the power unit developed in Neuburg to the chassis engineering in Hinwil and Bicester.
During the event, Dollner described the project as a transformative initiative for the company, stating that 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.’” He emphasized Audi’s long-term commitment, targeting World Championship contention by 2030.
Audi became the first team to operate a 2026-spec car during a filming day in Barcelona earlier this month. Following the Berlin launch, the squad will return to Barcelona for Shakedown Week, where all eleven Formula 1 teams will conduct three days of on-track testing. Binotto highlighted that the team’s integrated approach, controlling both engine and chassis development, allows for greater innovation and agility essential for competitive success.
Jonathan Wheatley, joining Audi after nearly 20 years at Red Bull, described the R26 as the “physical embodiment of thousands of hours of work” by Audi’s engineering and technical teams. He stressed the importance of building a culture of precision, resilience, and continuous improvement to establish a championship-ready team.
The driving pair, Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, will continue their partnership into a second season. Hulkenberg, who scored his first podium last year, praised Audi’s “profound seriousness and incredible energy,” while Bortoleto called the opportunity “a dream come true,” reflecting on Audi’s storied motorsport history at Le Mans and in rallying. Both drivers expressed enthusiasm for shaping the team’s future and achieving strong results in Melbourne.
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