The end of the current Formula 1 season is just weeks away, which means the start of the 2026 season is just around the corner. When the lights go out next year, Audi will be on the grid for the first time in history – and we got a taste of what the German carmaker’s car will look like with the new R26 Concept.
The concept previews the design and color scheme that will form part of a new brand identity for the entire company. It features titanium, carbon black and the new Audi red. The car will also feature red rings and will serve as a “pioneer for the new brand identity, which will be rolled out in the future for both the F1 team and Audi as a whole.”
Audi enters F1 via its acquisition of the Sauber Group in 2022, and the company immediately began developing the car’s 1.6-liter V-6 turbo engine, energy recovery system and the rest of the power unit, including the transmission.
Leading Audi’s F1 efforts are former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto and former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. Current Kick Sauber drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will keep their seats and race for Audi next year.
The public will be able to see Audi’s Formula 1 car in action for the first time during tests in Bahrain in February. The car will make its racing debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March.
Audi is already tempering expectations as it enters the iconic racing series, even as it has big goals for the end of the decade. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said:
‘We don’t go to Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance, and tirelessly questioning the status quo. We want to compete for the World Cup title in 2030.’
The new regulations coming into effect next season could easily put past winners at the back of the pack, so Audi may not have as difficult a time as it thinks. However, creating a new F1 team that consistently earns podium finishes is a challenging task, and that kind of discipline takes time. It looks like Audi’s F1 team will play a crucial role in the company’s future.
Photo by: Audi
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