Audi Revolut F1 Team Officially Unveiled Ahead of 2026 Formula 1 Debut

Audi has officially unveiled the Audi Revolut F1 Team, marking a major milestone ahead of its highly anticipated entry into Formula 1. The German manufacturer is set to make its Formula 1 race debut at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026, ushering in a new era for the brand at the pinnacle of motorsport.

The official team presentation took place in Berlin, where Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley and Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, revealed the race livery, team apparel, and driver overalls for the 2026 season.

Audi also confirmed Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil and Nico Hulkenberg of Germany as its driver pairing for its inaugural Formula 1 campaign. At the center of Audi’s Formula 1 campaign is the Audi R26, powered by the AFR 26 Hybrid power unit developed at Audi’s Neuburg an der Donau facility in Germany. 

Formula 1 will enter its 77th season in 2026 under the most significant technical regulation overhaul in the sport’s history. The new-generation cars will feature active aerodynamics, including adjustable front and rear wings that can be operated while driving.

The traditional Drag Reduction System (DRS) will be replaced by a “boost mode,” allowing drivers to deploy maximum additional electric power at the press of a button for overtaking or defensive maneuvers.

The electric motor will deliver up to 350 kW, nearly matching the output of the 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engine, which produces around 400 kW and runs entirely on sustainable fuel. Audi is working exclusively with BP on fuel development.

The next major milestone for the Audi Revolut F1 Team will be a private shakedown of the new-generation Formula 1 cars at Barcelona from January 26 to 30. This will be followed by official pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 11 to 13 and February 18 to 20, during which the Audi R26 will complete its final preparations ahead of Audi’s first participation in a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

From pioneering mid-engine Grand Prix cars and quattro all-wheel drive in rallying to achieving success with diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains at Le Mans, Formula E, and the Dakar Rally, Audi has consistently pushed the boundaries of motorsport innovation.

Its Formula 1 program is intended to build on this legacy with the same determination, courage, perseverance, and team spirit that have defined Audi’s racing history.