Audi has officially begun its era in Formula 1 with the presentation of the R26, the car with which it will debut in the 2026 season, and confirmed Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as its drivers for the launch. According to the Argentine News Agency, the launch took place in Berlin, a symbolic gesture that marked the definitive break with the Sauber era and the beginning of a own project within the category. The German team will compete with a silver, black, and red color scheme, which will dominate the design of the R26. The car will be predominantly silver, with a black engine cover and red details in the lower area, as well as a prominent presence from the main sponsor, Revolut. The presentation was held as part of the 2026 season launch event for Audi, following the full acquisition of the historic Swiss team, a process that had been announced in 2022. Mattia Binotto, head of the Audi F1 project since his joining in 2024, highlighted the brand's internal support when evaluating the team's first steps: 'So far, everything has been smooth. I think it is due to Audi's commitment,' he noted. And he added: 'From day one, the brand has been fully committed to the project, with the full support of the board and the necessary resources to execute the plan.' Audi's debut will take place in a context of high sporting uncertainty, as it will coincide with the entry into force of a new technical regulation, considered one of the most profound changes in the history of Formula 1. The cars will be smaller and lighter, with an almost equitable distribution between electric energy and the internal combustion engine. James Key, the team's technical director, explained that the initial priority will be on reliability and data collection: 'Everyone will officially hit the track next week,' he said about the first pre-season test in Barcelona, from January 26 to 30. 'For us, it is a journey of discovery. As a new power unit manufacturer, we will focus on accumulating laps and getting real information on track,' Key expressed. After Barcelona, the pre-season will continue in Bahrain with two test blocks, before the championship begins in Melbourne, from March 6 to 8.
