Audi Reveals 2026 Livery and Ambitious F1 Plans at Berlin Launch

Audi has officially marked its Formula 1 entry with a high-profile launch in Berlin, revealing the sleek livery for its 2026 challenger. The German manufacturer takes over the former Sauber operation and is tackling the immense challenge of producing its own power unit, aligning its arrival with the sport's new technical and sustainability regulations.

Why it matters:

Audi’s arrival represents a significant shift in the grid's landscape, bringing a major automotive manufacturer back to the forefront of the sport. Their commitment to building a proprietary power unit and chassis underscores a long-term strategy to leverage F1's sustainable future for brand growth, while their ambitious timeline aims to disrupt the established order by the end of the decade.

The details:

• Livery and Partners: The car features a titanium silver and bright red scheme with a carbon black engine cover, prominently displaying title sponsor Revolut alongside the iconic four-ring logo.
• Driver Line-up: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto retain their seats, carrying over momentum from a season where Sauber achieved its best points tally since 2012, including Hulkenberg's historic podium at Silverstone.
• Operational Structure: Audi’s operations are strategically split across Europe: chassis and race operations in Hinwil, Switzerland; power unit development in Neuberg, Germany; and a technology center in Bicester, UK.
• Leadership Vision: CEO Gernot Dollner set a clear target, stating the team aims to "compete at the highest level and to fight for championships by 2030."

What's next:

The team faces a rigorous testing schedule due to the new regulations, starting with a private test in Barcelona (Jan 26-30) followed by two sessions in Bahrain. The 2026 season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.