Audi Is Entering Formula 1, Previews Its Audi R26 Concept F1 Racer

Summary:

• Audi is officially entering Formula 1 and will debut for the 2026 race season
• The R26 Concept race car features a split titanium and black/Audi Lava Red base color scheme
• Audi will officially debut the R26 in January, 2026, and set to compete in March in Melbourne, Australia

Audi has unveiled the design identity for its Formula 1 entry and took the time today to preview its Audi R26 Concept racer.

The R26 Concept, a preview of the actual race car that will debut in January 2026, showcases the brand’s new visual identity. Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella described the F1 project as a “pioneer for the new brand identity”, based on principles of being “clear, technical, intelligent and emotional”.

The car’s design features minimalist graphic surfaces and a color palette of titanium, carbon black, and the newly introduced shade “Audi Lava Red”. According to the press release, the brand will also selectively use red rings for its F1 presence. Another key highlight with the car is the dramatic “cut” across the fuselage between the titanium color and Lava Red, which draws eyes towards the rear of the car and new power unit that drives the R26. While the visuals of the car are currently minimalistic, naturally the car will come with sponsorship logos further down the line – as of time of writing, Audi is sponsored by Revolut, adidas, and bp.

Audi – which will race under the team name Revolut – acquired the Sauber Group for its entry and will be led by Mattia Binotto (formerly of Ferrari) and Jonathan Wheatley (formerly of Red Bull), with drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. The team will officially debut in 2026, coinciding with new regulations mandating sustainable fuels and an electric power share of almost 50%. CEO Gernot Döllner positioned the move as the “next chapter in the company’s renewal” and a “catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi”.

The German automaker has been preparing for their entry for years, with strategies and technical preparations starting nearly three years ago. “We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win,” stated the CEO. Döllner also outlined an ambitious yet realistic roadmap, aiming to “fight for the World Championship title” by 2030. CFO Jürgen Rittersberger noted the entry “makes perfect sense for Audi – also economically,” citing the F1 cost cap and the chance to attract new, younger customer groups.

The first race for the R26 Concept racer to compete would be the Australian race in Melbourne, currently scheduled for March 6-8 2026. Before then, the car will undergo testing both in Barcelona and Bahrain after its debut in January.

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