Audi's R26 Completes First Shakedown Ahead of 2026 F1 Debut

The Audi F1 team marked a major milestone on Friday, becoming the first 2026 entry to run its new car on track. Drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto shared cockpit duties during a shakedown of the R26 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, signaling the official start of the German manufacturer's journey as a full works outfit.

Why it matters:

For a manufacturer investing billions to return to the pinnacle of motorsport, this first shakedown is a critical validation of their project. It's the first real-world 'handshake' between Audi's bespoke power unit and the chassis developed at their newly acquired Hinwil base. Successfully integrating these two complex elements is the foundational challenge for any new works team, and this early run provides invaluable data and confidence ahead of their highly anticipated 2026 debut.

The details:

• The shakedown was conducted as a 200km "filming day" at Barcelona, allowing the team to run the car outside of official testing restrictions.
• Both Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, the team's 2025 driver lineup, were behind the wheel, giving them early seat time in the new machinery.
• The R26 sported a stealthy, all-black livery for the test, with Audi intentionally withholding detailed images of the car's design to keep its technical secrets under wraps.
• The team will officially unveil its race livery at a special event in Berlin on January 20, followed by a public fan celebration the next day, marking a rare public birth of a factory team.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the official livery launch in Berlin, a major PR event designed to build momentum for their debut. While this shakedown is a positive first step, the real test will come during pre-season testing in 2026, where the R26's true performance against established giants like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes will finally be revealed.