Audi has unveiled the first look at the race car that will mark its entry into Formula 1 next season, presenting the R26 Concept as a preview of both its 2026 challenger and a new brand identity for the company. The reveal comes as the current F1 season winds down and attention shifts to a new era of regulations set to redefine the competitive landscape.
The R26 Concept introduces a design theme built around titanium, carbon black and a newly developed shade of Audi red. These colors will represent the brand not only in Formula 1 but across its global identity. The concept also features red rings, signaling a shift in how Audi intends to present its motorsport program and road-car division moving forward.
Audi formally entered the sport after acquiring the Sauber Group in 2022. Development began immediately on the team’s power unit, built around the upcoming turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6. The project includes work on the hybrid energy recovery system and a new transmission designed to meet the upcoming ruleset.
The team is guided by experienced leadership, including former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto and former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. The current driver lineup will carry over, with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto set to take the wheel in Audi colors next year.
Fans will get their first trackside look at the new car during preseason testing in Bahrain in February. It will officially debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March, representing the first time Audi has competed in Formula 1.
While Audi enters with long-term ambitions, it has set realistic short-term expectations. The company aims to become competitive by the end of the decade, acknowledging the steep challenge that comes with building a front-running team from scratch. With sweeping regulation changes arriving in 2026, the shifting performance landscape could create opportunities for newcomers.
Regardless of how quickly results arrive, the project signals Audi’s commitment to motorsport as a core part of its future.
Source: Audi
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