Audi unveiled their first-ever Formula 1 car at a launch event in Berlin as the manufacturer prepares for its Grand Prix debut later this year.
The German brand, which announced its F1 entry in August 2022, will make its race debut in Australia with a car powered by Audi’s first Formula 1 power unit.
Audi marked its arrival as a full works team with an event at Kraftwerk Berlin, attended by CEO Gernot Dollner, Audi F1 project head Mattia Binotto, team principal Jonathan Wheatley and drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
The Audi R26 features a titanium, carbon fibre and lava red livery first previewed in Munich last November.
Dollner said the launch signals the start of a new era for the company, adding that Audi is entering Formula 1 with long-term commitment and aims to fight for the world championship by 2030.
Audi became the first team to run a 2026-specification car during a filming day in Barcelona earlier this month and will return there for Shakedown Week alongside the other Formula 1 teams.
Binotto said operating as a full works team gives Audi a major advantage through tight integration between its power unit and chassis programmes.
Wheatley described the car as the result of years of work and said the focus is on building a championship culture from the outset.
Hulkenberg said the project stands out for its seriousness and long-term vision, while Bortoleto called racing for Audi a dream and said he is fully committed to helping build the team’s future.
Kursiv also reports that Haas have revealed their 2026 Formula 1 challenger in digital renders.
