Audi officially unveils factory Formula 1 team in Berlin ahead of 2026 debut
Published on Jan 23, 2026 at 8:44 AM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Jan 23, 2026 at 12:52 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
The Audi Formula 1 team has officially stepped into the spotlight, unveiling its long-awaited R26 challenger during a high-profile launch in Berlin.
The reveal marked the first public appearance of Audi’s F1 outfit as it gears up for its debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Held at the atmospheric Kraftwerk venue in the heart of the German capital, the event blended industrial theatre with motorsport ambition.
Nearly 400 guests were on hand to witness what Audi is calling a historic moment for the four rings.
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The Audi Formula 1 team is ready to compete with their R26
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner described the launch as a key milestone, saying the project is now showing its full strength after years of intensive preparation.
For Audi, this was a clear statement of intent.
Formula 1 represents the ultimate global stage, and the company is positioning itself as a serious contender from day one.
At the centre of the reveal was the Audi R26, the team’s first Formula 1 car, dressed in its official race livery.
Powering it is the AFR 26 Hybrid power unit, developed at Audi’s Neuburg an der Donau facility and first fired up in the chassis just before Christmas.
The car has already completed its initial rollout at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during a filming day, marking its first steps toward competitive running.
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A new era of F1
Audi’s timing could not be more deliberate.
Formula 1 enters a new era in 2026 with sweeping technical regulation changes, including active aerodynamics and a new boost mode replacing DRS.
Electric power will play a much bigger role, with up to 350 kW available from the electric motor alongside the 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine running on sustainable fuel.
The Audi Formula 1 team is working closely with BP on fuel development, underlining the brand’s focus on efficiency and future-ready technology.
The Berlin event also introduced the team’s visual identity, from race suits to team clothing and fanwear.
Drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg will represent Audi on track, with the team’s debut due in Australia on March 8.
After a long wait, Audi will finally take its place on the Formula 1 grid, and the brand promises to turn decades of motorsport innovation into success at the sport’s highest level.
Major F1 regulation changes
1950: The first F1 World Championship launched, with front-engine cars and minimal safety rules
1966: A major engine capacity overhaul was introduced, with engines jumping to 3.0-liter naturally aspirated, or 1.5-liter turbocharged units
1983: Flat floors were mandated to slow cars down and reduce risk, marking one of F1’s biggest safety-driven regulation shifts
1989: Turbo engines were banned, and F1 returned to naturally aspirated engines to control speeds and costs
1994: Following the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, sweeping safety changes were introduced, including lower speeds, redesigned circuits, and improved crash protection
2014: The hybrid power era began, with F1 switching to 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid V6 engines
2022: A new generation of cars was designed to follow more closely using underfloor aerodynamics, aiming to improve wheel-to-wheel racing
2026: The Formula 1 2026 changes brought new rules to both the chassis and power units marking the sport’s biggest reset in decades
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Jason joined the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in April 2025 as a Content Writer.As part of the growing editorial team working in Australia, and in synergy with team members in Dubai, the UK, and elsewhere in the world, he helps keep the site running 24/7, injecting his renowned accuracy and energy into every shift.
