Audi has unveiled its first-ever single-seater, the Audi R26, marking the German manufacturer’s entry into Formula One. The team, which acquired Sauber, aims to win championships by 2030. The car’s livery features a predominantly grey color scheme and displays the four rings of the Audi logo in red on its rear wing.
The Audi R26 was designed to be a striking presence on the grid, with a focus on elegance. The team’s driver lineup for 2026 includes Nico Huelkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who were part of the Sauber team last year. According to Mattia Binotto, the project’s chief, the 2026 regulations created an ideal opportunity for Audi to enter the sport.
Team principal Jonathan Wheatley expressed pride and humility as the team begins its journey in Formula One. He emphasized the importance of embedding a championship culture into the team, with a focus on resilience, precision, and relentless curiosity. Wheatley noted that the team’s ambition is to build a strong foundation, with the goal of improving with every lap, debrief, and race.
The Audi R26 will make its track debut next week during closed-door tests at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, along with the other ten Formula One teams. This marks the beginning of a new era for Audi in the sport, as the company seeks to establish itself as a competitive force in Formula One.
Audi’s entry into Formula One is a significant development for the sport, with the company bringing its resources and expertise to the table. The team’s goal of winning championships by 2030 is ambitious, but with the right approach and dedication, it is achievable. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Audi performs and how it stacks up against the other teams.
The unveiling of the Audi R26 is a major milestone for the team, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the world of Formula One. With its focus on innovation, performance, and championship culture, Audi is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the sport. As the team prepares to take to the track, fans and enthusiasts around the world will be watching with interest to see how Audi’s Formula One journey unfolds.
