Audi F1 Team Sets January 20 Launch Date for 2026 Car Livery

Audi has officially scheduled the launch of its 2026 Formula 1 car livery for January 20, 2026, and will enter the championship under the name Audi Revolut F1 Team. The announcement marks a significant milestone as the German manufacturer solidifies its identity and builds momentum toward its highly anticipated grid debut.

Why it matters:

Audi's entry represents the first new full-works manufacturer team since Renault's return in 2016, injecting fresh competition and investment into the sport. The confirmed launch date and team naming provide the first concrete steps in a long-term project that aims to disrupt the established competitive order and challenge for championships by 2030.

The details:

• The team will host a launch event in Berlin on January 20, 2026, to fully reveal the car's livery, following a concept preview shown in Munich last month.
• The official entry name, Audi Revolut F1 Team, follows a title sponsorship deal with the banking platform Revolut, announced earlier this year.
• The project is led by Audi's Head of F1, Mattia Binotto, with day-to-day operations managed by Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley.
• A public viewing is planned for January 21, allowing fans to engage directly with the car and the team.

The big picture:

Audi's methodical buildup underscores the scale of its ambition. By securing a major title sponsor, appointing experienced F1 leadership in Binotto and Wheatley, and engaging fans early, the team is laying a foundation focused on long-term success rather than a rushed entry. Their declared goal of fighting for titles by 2030 sets a clear, ambitious timeline that will pressure established frontrunners.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Berlin in January 2026 for the first full visual representation of Audi's F1 ambitions. Following the launch, the focus will intensify on track development, driver market movements, and pre-season testing as the team works to transform its corporate project into a competitive on-track reality for the new 2026 regulations.