Audi presented its Formula 1 racing car concept in Munich
In 2026, Audi will debut in Formula 1 with its own factory team and power unit developed in Germany. As part of this announcement, the company presented the R26 concept at the Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich.
What is known
The R26 concept is one of the first manifestations of the brand's new visual identity. Minimalist graphic surfaces defined by precise lines harmoniously blend with the geometry of a race car. The color palette includes titanium, carbon black, and red. As part of this identity, Audi also uses red rings.
Massimo Frascella, Audi's Chief Creative Director, stated that the R26 reveals the signature style not only of the Audi F1 team but of the entire brand. Therefore, in the near future, some design elements will appear in the brand's production cars.
Audi has been developing the power unit for Formula 1 since spring 2022. It consists of a 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine, an energy recovery system (ERS) that includes an energy storage unit (ES) and a motor generator unit (MGU-K), as well as a control unit (CU-K). In addition to the power unit, a gearbox is being developed in Neuburg, Germany.
The new technical regulations for Formula 1 power units are focused on greater compatibility with road cars with a new hybrid concept. The power of the electric motor is tripled and will in the future be comparable to the internal combustion engine, which from 2026 will run on sustainable fuel. Since 2022, Audi has been collaborating in this area exclusively with the British company BP.
The team develops and assembles racing cars at the Formula 1 plant in Hinwil. The Swiss division is also responsible for planning and conducting race events. Furthermore, a technology office has been operating in Bicester, UK, since the summer of 2025.
The future Audi F1 team has secured the support of three global corporations: adidas, BP, and Revolut. The latter will become the title partner. To participate in Formula 1, Audi fully acquired the Swiss company Sauber Group at the beginning of this year, creating conditions for the sovereign fund of Qatar to participate as an investor.
The Audi F1 project is led by two experienced Formula 1 managers, former Ferrari team leader Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, who report directly to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. The team also includes experienced German driver Nico Hülkenberg and young Brazilian talent Gabriel Bortoleto.
The future Audi F1 team will debut at an official presentation in January 2026. Shortly after that, in late January, the first official test drives of the new generation of Formula 1 cars will take place behind closed doors in Barcelona, Spain. During further tests in Bahrain (February 11–13 and February 18–20), the Audi factory team will conduct Formula 1 tests in front of the public for the first time. The brand's debut at the pinnacle of motorsport will take place in Melbourne, Australia, from March 6 to 8.
Source: Audi
