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2026 is an exciting one for Formula One fans. In addition to a completely new powertrain and aero set of regulations, two new teams will be joining the grid. We’ve already written about Cadillac, as you can read here. The other is Audi, which has shown the Audi R26 Concept F1 car as a precursor of the company’s F1 racer.
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Past Masters
Audi as a pretty enviable track record (pun completely intended – Ed) in motorsport. It set the rally world alight with its iconic Quattro racer, winning four titles. The German outfit then went on to challenge the world of endurance racing, claiming overall wins at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans no fewer than 13 times. In addition, and most recently, it claimed overall victory at the grueling Dakar Rally. However, the company is under no illusion that success isn’t achieved easily at the pinnacle of the sport.
By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement. It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi. We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title
– Audi CEO Gernot Döllner
A Sneak Peek
The Audi R26 Concept provides a preview of the colour scheme and design of the brand’s first Formula 1 race car. The German outfit’s 2026 challenger will be unveiled in January. “We are implementing a unifying design language that draws together every aspect of our organization,” says Audi chief creative officer Massimo Frascella. “This makes the Formula 1 project a pioneer for the new brand identity, which will be rolled out in the future both for the F1 team and Audi as a whole.”
The R26 Concept features minimalist graphic surfaces, defined by precise geometric cuts, integrate seamlessly with the racing car’s geometry. The colour palette features titanium, carbon black and red.
Click here to read about a very special McLaren F1 car, once driven by Ayrton Senna, that is up for sale.
Not Starting From Scratch
While Cadillac is an all-new effort, Audi bought out the existing Sauber Group for its F1 project. The team retains the services of Nico Hülkenberg and talent Gabriel Bortoleto for its debut season. The company has already been developing the power unit for Formula 1 in Neuburg an der Donau. As a result it is the location of an F1 team in Germany.
The team develops and builds the racecars at Sauber’s old premises in Hinwil, Switzerland. In addition, a technology office has been in operation in Bicester in the UK since summer 2025. There is intensive cooperation between the locations to fully exploit the advantages and opportunities of a factory team through the seamless integration of power unit and chassis.
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