Audi has unveiled its R26 concept car, previewing the new Formula 1 team’s identity ahead of its debut in 2026.
A launch event was held at Audi’s Brand Experience Center in Munich on Wednesday evening to showcase the team’s planned look, with a concept car – dubbed the R26 – featuring titanium, carbon black and the newly introduced Audi red in the livery. The 2026 car itself will be unveiled in January, but Audi says the design features “minimalistic graphic surfaces defined by precise geometric cutouts, [that] integrate seamlessly with the geometry of the racing car.”
- Audi aims to challenge for the F1 title by 2030
Audi will take over the existing Sauber team and will carry out its F1 factory project at three separate locations. The chassis will be manufactured at Sauber’s headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland, while the power unit will be produced at a bespoke factory: Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany. This year also saw the opening of a technology office in Bicester, England, to tap talent from most rival F1 teams.
“Formula 1 is more than just motorsport,” said Audi CFO Jurgen Rittersberger. “It is entertainment, emotion, technology – and also a challenge. But it is precisely this combination that takes us where we want to go: inspiring new customer groups for Audi.
“With the enormous reach of Formula 1, we have the opportunity to attract new customers to our brand – especially in the younger target group, where Formula 1 is experiencing rapid growth.
“Thanks to the cost cap, Formula 1 is also more financially sustainable than ever before. When we look at the development of sponsorship opportunities, team evaluations and the overall revenue potential in Formula 1, one thing becomes clear: this path makes perfect sense for Audi – also economically.”
Audi first announced its arrival in the summer of 2022, while plans with Sauber were confirmed later that year. Since then, it has built a new 3,00 m² building at its Neuberg plant, and in May 2024 a completely new power unit was installed for the first time.
Although the team’s brand identity did not include the full planned livery or sponsors, Audi has already confirmed Revolut as title partner for 2026, with Adidas entering into an apparel partnership with the team.
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