Audi announces F1 2026 season launch plan

Audi will unveil its very first Formula 1 livery on 20 January

Audi has revealed key details ahead of its maiden Formula 1 season in 2026.

The German brand is taking over the Sauber team which it acquired in 2024 after buying a minority stake the previous year and, in 2022, announcing its involvement as a power unit supplier from 2026 onwards. This coincides with F1’s new technical regulations, where Audi hopes to capitalise on its experience with hybrid powertrains in other categories.

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The outfit is now named Audi Revolut F1 Team after its title partner, a British financial technology company.

“This collaboration goes beyond traditional sponsorship, creating a powerful alliance aimed at challenging conventions and shaping new forms of fan engagement through activations, race access and exclusive app-based benefits for Revolut users,” according to Audi’s press release.

“The alliance also extends to key areas of the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s operations: integrating Revolut Business into its financial operations and Revolut Pay into its online store for a seamless checkout experience.”

Audi will launch its 2026 campaign in Berlin on 20 January, with an “exclusive launch” described as an “immersive experience”, which will be followed by a “public opening” on 21 January.

Audi F1 Team RS26 concept livery

Photo by: Audi Sport

On this occasion, Audi will unveil its 2026 F1 livery – just a few days before its actual car takes to the track at the first pre-season test at Barcelona from 26-30 January.

“Today, our project takes on its official identity,” team principal Jonathan Wheatley said. “The Audi Revolut F1 Team name is a symbol of the combined strength of our teams in Germany, UK and Switzerland, together with our partners. It provides a banner under which we all unite as we build towards 2026.

“This is a crucial milestone that energises the entire project and makes our long-term ambition tangible for everyone involved.”

Audi’s first F1 car will be driven by veteran Nico Hulkenberg and sophomore Gabriel Bortoleto, who also formed the squad’s line-up under the Sauber identity in 2025.

Sauber finished ninth in this year’s constructors’ championship with 70 points – by far the best campaign by a ninth-placed team in the 21st century.

2026 F1 team launch schedule

Date	Team(s)	Location	Car reveal?
15 January	Red Bull Racing Bulls	Detroit, Michigan	Livery only
20 January	Audi	Berlin	Livery only
23 January	Alpine	Barcelona	Livery only (TBC)
8 February	Cadillac	Super Bowl advert	Livery only
9 February	Aston Martin	TBC	2026 car