Audi has taken a major step towards its long-awaited Formula 1 debut, officially unveiling the Audi Revolut F1 Team at a special event in Berlin. Nearly 400 guests gathered at the iconic Kraftwerk venue in the heart of the German capital to witness the first public appearance of Audi’s factory F1 team.
“This evening brings many pieces of the puzzle together,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of Audi Motorsport AG. “It’s impressive to see how the intensive preparation is paying off. For the first time, the full strength of the project is visible. We are ready — and excited — to inspire people around the world in Formula 1.”
First Look at Audi’s F1 Future
Audi will make its Formula 1 race debut at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026. The team’s challenger, the Audi R26, is powered by the AFR 26 Hybrid power unit, developed at Audi’s Neuburg an der Donau facility. The power unit was first fired up in the chassis shortly before Christmas at the Hinwil base, followed by the car’s initial rollout at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on January 9 during a filming day.A New Era for Formula 1
Audi’s arrival coincides with the biggest technical overhaul in Formula 1’s history. From 2026, the sport enters its 77th season under radically revised regulations. Cars will feature active aerodynamics, adjustable front and rear wings, and a new boost mode replacing DRS, allowing drivers to deploy additional electric power for attacking or defending.Electric output will rise to 350 kW, nearly matching the 400 kW 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine, which will run entirely on sustainable fuel. Audi is working exclusively with bp on fuel development for the new era.
Team Identity, Drivers and Fan Gear
Alongside the race livery, Audi also revealed its new team clothing and driver overalls, to be worn by Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg during the 2026 season. The accompanying fan collection will go on sale from February 19 via the team’s website and adidas.The Audi Revolut F1 Team debuts with a carefully crafted visual identity, including bespoke colours and a new font family. Titanium references Audi’s motorsport heritage and technical precision, while the newly introduced Audi Red provides a bold, distinctive highlight — unmistakably Audi, yet clearly Formula 1-focused.
A Night to Remember in Berlin
The dramatic setting of the former Mitte power station provided a fitting backdrop, featuring an immersive show, historic Audi race cars, and Audi’s most powerful road car to date: the RS e-tron GT performance, producing an astonishing 680 kW (925 hp) — not far off the output of the Audi R26 itself.What’s Next?
The next key milestone is a private shakedown in Barcelona from January 26–30, followed by official pre-season testing in Bahrain (February 11–13 and February 18–20). These sessions will mark the final preparations before Audi takes to the Formula 1 grid for the first time.Formula 1 as a Strategic Flagship
Audi’s Formula 1 entry is a cornerstone of the brand’s strategic realignment, combining innovation, sustainability, and global visibility. With cost controls in place and sweeping new regulations favouring electrification and sustainable fuels, the timing could not be better.Motorsport has always been central to Audi’s DNA — from pioneering mid-engine Grand Prix cars and quattro rally dominance to hybrid and electric victories at Le Mans, Formula E and Dakar. Now, Formula 1 represents the next frontier.
The four rings are ready for the world stage once again.
