Audi sets January date for inaugural F1 team identity launch in Berlin

Audi has scheduled the official launch of its full Formula 1 team identity for January 20, 2026, in Berlin, marking a pivotal moment as the German manufacturer prepares for its works entry under the new regulations. The event will reveal the definitive livery and branding for the Audi Revolut F1 Team, followed by a public fan day aimed at broadening the team's reach beyond the traditional paddock audience.

Why it matters:

This launch represents the formal culmination of Audi's multi-year project to enter F1 as a full works team, transitioning the Sauber operation it acquired into a factory-backed contender. The timing, just days before the first private tests of the 2026 cars, signals Audi's readiness to begin its on-track journey in a radically new technical era, making its public debut a critical step in establishing its competitive and commercial identity.

The details:

• The launch event in Berlin on January 20 will present the team's "full identity," including the final race livery and the official Audi Revolut F1 Team name.
• A public opening on January 21 will allow fans to engage with the team, an initiative designed to "ensure the team's entry resonates beyond the paddock."
• The first on-track running for the 2026 cars is a private test in Barcelona from January 26-30, meaning Audi's launch comes just six days before its cars hit the circuit.
• The team will officially be rebranded from Sauber to Audi on January 1, 2026, completing the corporate transition.

The big picture:

Audi enters F1 at the start of a major rules reset for both chassis and power units, aiming to leverage its factory status from day one. The Sauber team it inherits showed significant progress in 2025, moving from a distant last in 2024 to a competitive midfield position with 70 points and a podium finish, providing a more solid foundation than initially expected. Audi's previous concept livery previewed a design philosophy blending historical nods to the Auto Union racing cars with a modern, striking aesthetic intended to stand out on the grid.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Berlin in January for the first concrete look at Audi's F1 ambition, followed immediately by its testing debut in Barcelona. The success of its integration and the performance of its all-new car will determine whether the manufacturer can quickly transition from an ambitious newcomer to a genuine midfield challenger and, eventually, a front-running force in the years that follow.

summary: Audi will unveil the full identity of its new Formula 1 team, including its 2026 livery, at a launch event in Berlin on January 20. This marks the official start of its works team journey, coming just days before the first private test of the new-era cars and completing the rebrand from Sauber.