German automaker Audi has offered the first public glimpse of its upcoming entry into the world of Formula 1, unveiling a show car and striking new livery ahead of the brand’s official debut in the 2026 season.
Unveiled at Audi’s Brand Experience Center in Munich, the “R26 Concept” carries a minimalist yet evocative colour palette: titanium silver, carbon black, and Audi red. The design also features red rings—an innovative twist on Audi’s iconic four-rings logo. Audi describes the livery as a nod to its motorsport heritage, specifically the legendary Auto Union Type C from the pre-war era.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner characterised the moment as a “clear, ambitious statement” for the company’s next chapter in elite motorsport. “Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi,” he said at the reveal.
The timing of the reveal positions Audi as the first team to launch its 2026 car livery, giving it a promotional head-start ahead of rivals. According to F1 media outlets, most other teams are expected to make their own 2026 car and livery launches in January or February 2026.
Strategically, Audi’s Formula 1 programme will be based on the integration of its recently acquired Sauber Group operations: powerunit development in Neuburg an der Donau (Germany), chassis manufacturing and race operations in Hinwil (Switzerland), and a Technology Office in Bicester (UK) leveraging the region’s motorsport-engineering talent.
The team’s driver lineup for 2026 has already been confirmed: veteran German Nico Hülkenberg will partner with Brazilian rising talent Gabriel Bortoleto. The leadership team is spearheaded by former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto and team principal Jonathan Wheatley.
While the concept car provides an early taste of Audi’s identity on the grid, the full racing car is still in development with its official unveiling scheduled for January 2026. Audi acknowledges that the journey to championship contention will be a multi-season endeavour, setting a target to challenge for the title by 2030.
This reveal signals not only Audi’s return to grand-prix racing but also reflects the broader changes coming to Formula 1 under its 2026 technical regulations—featuring more sustainable fuels, greater electrification, and a new generation of race cars. Audi’s bold entrance into this next era positions the brand at the centre of motorsport’s evolving landscape.
