Audi Unveils Bold F1 Concept Livery for 2026 Debut

Audi has unveiled a striking new Formula 1 concept livery, the Audi R26 Concept, at an event in Munich, offering the first glimpse of its 2026 car design. The German manufacturer, which will formally rebrand Sauber next year after completing its takeover, aims to create "the most striking car on the grid" while pushing the boundaries off-track with its brand identity.

Why it matters:

Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 marks a significant moment for the sport, bringing a major automotive player with a strong motorsport heritage. This concept livery reveal is more than just a paint job; it's a statement of intent, linking their F1 venture directly to their future road car design philosophy. A distinctive and impactful visual identity is crucial for a new entrant to capture fan attention and establish its presence in the highly competitive F1 grid.

The Details:

• The Audi R26 Concept was revealed on Wednesday night, just over two months before its first F1 car is slated for a behind-closed-doors collective test in Barcelona, ahead of official public pre-season testing.
• Audi will officially rebrand its F1 team on January 1 and plans to launch the actual R26 car later that month.
• Design Philosophy: Audi Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella emphasized the goal of having "the most striking car on the grid" and being "the most daring brand off the track." This aligns with Audi's new brand identity, which recently debuted with the all-titanium finish of the Concept C road car.
• Motorsport Heritage: The livery draws inspiration from Audi's rich motorsport history, specifically nodding to the Auto Union Type C, a legendary car from the successful Auto Union era, which was a predecessor to modern Audi.
• Color Scheme: The R26 Concept previews a design featuring ties to the Concept C in the front half, transitioning to carbon black and a new Audi red on the back half of the car.
• Branding: The iconic Audi rings will selectively feature this new Audi red. Notably, the concept livery does not include branding for title partner Revolut, fuel partner bp, or teamwear supplier Adidas, nor any hint of the Qatar Investment Authority, which acquired a significant minority shareholding last year.
• Integration: The concept's primary purpose is to showcase the Audi brand and firmly tie the F1 team's identity to the company's future direction for its road cars.

What's next:

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stated that design is integral to Audi's DNA and that the F1 car will be the second model to embody their "radical next design philosophies" after the Concept C. With the team rebranding soon and testing on the horizon, the coming months will reveal how closely the actual R26 mirrors this bold concept and how Audi's distinctive visual identity will translate to the F1 grid, signaling their aggressive push into the pinnacle of motorsport.