Audi's 2026 F1 car hits the track for first shakedown test

Audi has taken its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the RS26, to the track for the very first time during a filming day in Barcelona. With Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at the wheel, the team completed initial system checks and validated procedures. While the car is an early prototype set to evolve significantly, the shakedown marks a major milestone as Audi becomes the first manufacturer to begin its 2026 campaign on-track.

Why it matters:

This shakedown is more than just a technical checkout; it's the public start of Audi's ambitious F1 project. As the first of the new 2026 entrants to hit the track, the German manufacturer is signaling its serious intent to compete at the highest level. The early running provides a crucial morale boost and a real-world data point as the team gears up for a full-scale assault on the new regulations.

The details:

• First Run: The test took place in Barcelona under filming day regulations, with Hülkenberg and Bortoleto each completing a maximum of 100 kilometers to validate initial procedures and power unit operation.
• Early Prototype: A photo shared by Hülkenberg on Instagram confirmed the car is a very early version of the RS26, with the final race car for Australia expected to look significantly different.
• Binotto's Caution: Team representative Mattia Binotto urged caution on judging early performance, emphasizing Audi's specialized power unit heritage as a key asset. He contrasted this with Red Bull's "specific" skill set amidst early 2026 benchmark discussions involving Mercedes.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the official launch of the Audi RS26 on January 20 in Berlin. Following the public debut, the team will continue intensive development behind the scenes, aiming to translate this promising first step into a genuinely competitive package when the 2026 season kicks off in Australia.