Audi reveals official F1 team name and 2026 launch date in Berlin

Audi has officially named its Formula 1 entry the 'Audi Revolut F1 Team' and will launch its 2026 campaign in Berlin on January 20, 2026. The German manufacturer, which has fully acquired the Sauber team, will unveil its livery at the event, just days before its actual car hits the track for pre-season testing in Barcelona.

Why it matters:

This marks a major milestone for Audi's long-planned entry into Formula 1, transforming from a power unit supplier announcement into a fully-fledged, branded works team. The official naming and launch schedule solidify Audi's commitment and provide a clear timeline for its competitive debut under the new 2026 technical regulations, where it aims to leverage its hybrid powertrain expertise from other racing series.

The details:

• The team's full identity is the Audi Revolut F1 Team, named after its title partner, the British fintech company Revolut. Audi describes the partnership as going "beyond traditional sponsorship," aiming to create new fan engagement through activations and app-based benefits for Revolut users.
• The official team launch is set for January 20, 2026, in Berlin, featuring an "immersive experience." A public opening will follow on January 21.
• At the Berlin event, Audi will reveal the livery for its 2026 F1 car, the RS26. The physical car is expected to debut shortly after at the first pre-season test in Barcelona (January 26-30).
• The driver line-up for Audi's maiden season will be Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, continuing from their 2025 season with the Sauber team.
• The team inherits the Sauber operation, which finished a strong ninth in the 2025 constructors' championship with 70 points.

The big picture:

Audi's entry is a cornerstone of the 2026 season, which will see a major technical overhaul and the arrival of new manufacturers. The company is betting that its experience in top-level endurance racing (Le Mans), Formula E, and Dakar will translate to success in F1's new hybrid era. The Berlin launch places its F1 project at the heart of its home market, signaling a major marketing and technical push.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Berlin in January 2026 for the first visual representation of Audi's F1 ambitions. The subsequent test in Barcelona will provide the first real-world indication of the team's performance potential against established rivals and fellow newcomers like Cadillac. The success of the Revolut partnership and the integration of the Sauber team's operations will be critical factors in Audi's long-term goal to become a front-running constructor.