- Audi's R26 concept provides the first look at its Formula 1 design and confirms its technical, strategic and operational roadmap ahead of the 2026 debut season.
Audi has unveiled the R26 Concept, providing a first look at its Formula 1 design language and detailing the team's preparations for its debut in the 2026 season. The reveal at the Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich is a major step towards the company's entry into the pinnacle of motorsport.
The R26 Concept introduces a clean, geometric aesthetic defined by titanium, carbon black and the new Audi Red. The brand's iconic four rings will also appear in red for the first time, reserved exclusively for its Formula 1 identity. Chief creative officer Massimo Frascella said the concept represents Audi's new design philosophy, which aims to unify its racing presence and road-car lineup through simplicity and precision.
Technical base and team structure
Audi's Formula 1 program operates at three major locations. The Neuburg facility in Germany leads the development of the power unit. This unit is a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid that runs on sustainable fuel under the new 2026 regulations. The hybrid system will provide almost identical power to the combustion engine, making F1 technology relevant to the road car.
Chassis development and race operations are based at the former Sauber factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, now wholly owned by Audi. A technical office in Bicester, UK, provides access to motorsport expertise from the heart of “Motorsport Valley”.
The F1 team will be led by Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, who will report directly to CEO Gernot Dollner. The driver lineup includes Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoletto, who combine experience with emerging talent.
Strategic move in motorsport
Döllner called the entry the “next chapter” in Audi's renewal, which aims to make the team competitive by 2030. CFO Jürgen Rittersberger said the move is in line with the brand's long-term business strategy, citing Formula 1's cost-cap model and global audience as key incentives.
Audi has already secured Adidas, BP and Revolut as key partners. The first full F1 car will be revealed in January 2026. This will then be followed by testing in Barcelona and Bahrain before the team's race debut at the Australian Grand Prix (6-8 March, 2026).
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First publication date: 13 November 2025, 14:02 PM IST