SHERIDAN, WYOMING – January 29, 2026 – Audi has officially introduced the Audi Revolut F1 Team in Berlin, giving fans a first real look at the team’s 2026 identity, including the Audi R26 race livery, team clothing, and driver overalls. The unveiling happened at the Kraftwerk venue in the heart of the German capital, with nearly 400 guests attending. For everyday motorsport followers, this matters because it’s the moment Audi’s long build-up turns into something you can actually see: the car, the look, the faces, and the dates to watch. And with major Formula 1 rule changes arriving in 2026, Audi is stepping in right as the sport resets what “fast” and “efficient” mean.
A Berlin Night That Made It Feel Real
The Berlin presentation was framed as a “first public appearance” for Audi’s factory Formula 1 team, and it pulled multiple threads together at once: the visual identity, the partners, and the story Audi wants to tell as it enters the sport’s top tier. According to Audi, the event production included an immersive show, historic Audi race cars, and even the most powerful Audi production vehicle as part of the staging.
“Today, a lot of pieces of the puzzle are coming together,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi Motorsport AG, at the team presentation. “It’s impressive to see how the intensive preparation is paying off and the performance of those involved is becoming evident. For the first time, the full power of the project is on display. We are ready and excited to inspire people around the world by taking part in Formula 1.”
What’s Coming In 2026 And Why It’s A Huge Reset
Audi is preparing for a 2026 Formula 1 season shaped by new technical regulations. The new cars will feature active aerodynamics with adjustable front and rear wings while driving. DRS is set to be replaced by a “boost mode,” which provides maximum additional electric power at the push of a button for overtaking or defending.
Audi’s Berlin reveal also highlighted the hybrid balance: the electric motor can deliver up to 350 kW, close to the roughly 400 kW of the 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine. The engine will run on “Advanced Sustainable fuel” as defined by FIA F1 technical regulations, and Audi says it is working exclusively with bp in this area.
The People, The Places, And The Timeline To Watch
Audi’s debut at the first Formula 1 Grand Prix is scheduled for Australia on March 8. The Audi R26 is powered by the AFR 26 Hybrid power unit, developed at Audi’s Neuburg an der Donau facility. Audi says the power unit was fired up in the chassis at the Hinwil site shortly before Christmas, and the team completed its first rollout on January 9 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain as part of a filming day.
The next steps are already lined up:
- A behind-closed-doors shakedown in Barcelona from January 26 to 30
- Official test sessions in Bahrain on February 11–13 and February 18–20
- The first race appearance in Australia on March 8
If you’re a fan, that’s a clean countdown: show the identity now, shake the car down next, test hard in February, then go racing.
Fan Gear And The “Look” Of The New Team
Audi presented not only the race livery but also the new team clothing and driver overalls for 2026. The drivers named in the release are Gabriel Bortoleto (Brazil) and Nico Hülkenberg (Germany). Audi also says the fan collection will be available from February 19 via the team’s website and adidas.
The team’s visual identity is being treated like a full brand build, not just a paint job. Audi describes a unique corporate identity with specific colors and a new font family, designed to feel distinct on track and on social media, while still looking unmistakably Audi.
Mini FAQ For Curious Fans
Q: When does Audi race for real in Formula 1?
A: The release says Audi is set to make its debut in Australia on March 8.
Q: What is the Audi race car called?
A: Audi names the car the Audi R26.
Q: When can fans buy the official fan collection?
A: The release says it will be available from February 19 via the team’s website and adidas.
Q: What are the big pre-season moments before the first race?
A: Audi lists a shakedown in Barcelona (January 26–30) and two Bahrain test sessions (February 11–13 and February 18–20).