Audi has taken a major step toward its Formula 1 debut by unveiling the R26 Concept, the first glimpse of the design and identity that will define its 2026 race car. Presented at an event in Munich, the R26 marks Audi’s official entry into the world of Formula 1 style and branding. While it’s not the final car that will race, the R26 offers a strong preview of what’s to come when Audi joins the grid in 2026.
The R26 Concept showcases a sharp, futuristic look that reflects Audi’s evolving design language. The car’s bodywork features bold geometric shapes and contrasting tones of metallic titanium, carbon black, and a newly developed Audi Red. The titanium finish connects the R26 to Audi’s latest road car designs, while the bright red highlights the brand’s logo and racing spirit. Though the concept car currently wears no sponsorship decals, Audi has confirmed that the final race car will carry branding from partners such as Revolut, BP, and Adidas.
This unveiling represents more than just a color scheme. It marks the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year effort to bring Audi into Formula 1 as a full works team. The company established its Formula 1 division, Audi Formula Racing (AFR), in 2022 and soon partnered with the Swiss-based Sauber team. In March 2024, Audi completed its acquisition of Sauber, ensuring full control of its F1 operations ahead of its debut season.
Audi’s approach mirrors that of legendary manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes, building not only its own car but also its own power unit. The engines and hybrid systems are being developed at Audi’s motorsport headquarters in Neuburg, Germany, where a new state-of-the-art facility has been built for the project. Meanwhile, the race cars will be assembled and operated from Sauber’s existing base in Hinwil, Switzerland — a site familiar to Audi from previous motorsport collaborations.
A smaller technical office in Bicester, UK, will serve as a recruitment and development hub, allowing Audi to tap into Britain’s rich pool of Formula 1 engineering talent. This three-location structure is designed to bring together German precision, Swiss craftsmanship, and British racing expertise.
Leading the team are two highly experienced figures from the Formula 1 world: former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who oversees the overall program, and Jonathan Wheatley, previously of Red Bull Racing, who serves as team principal. Together, they report directly to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. The team has also been expanding rapidly, hiring more than 150 new employees in 2025 alone.
On the driver front, Audi will field a blend of experience and youth, with seasoned German driver Nico Hülkenberg joining promising Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Both will get their first taste of the new car during the pre-season test in Barcelona in early 2026.
Audi’s Formula 1 program builds on more than a decade of hybrid experience from endurance racing, Formula E, and the Dakar Rally. The brand believes this foundation will help it take full advantage of F1’s new 2026 regulations, which emphasize hybrid technology and sustainable fuels. Partnering with BP, Audi has been developing new synthetic fuel solutions since 2022.
For Audi, Formula 1 represents both a sporting and technological challenge — and a statement of intent. “We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there,” says CEO Gernot Döllner. “We want to win. By 2030, we aim to fight for the World Championship title.”
