Audi has unveiled the R26 concept car, previewing the identity of its new F1 team ahead of its debut in 2026.
A launch event was held at the Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich on Wednesday night, showing off the team’s planned look with a concept car named R26 featuring titanium, carbon black and the newly introduced Audi Red livery. The 2026 car itself will be unveiled in January, and Audi says its design incorporates “minimalist graphic surfaces defined by precise geometric cuts” that integrate seamlessly with the race car’s geometry.
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Audi will take over the existing Sauber team and will operate its works F1 project from three separate locations. The chassis will be manufactured at Sauber’s headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland, and the power unit will be produced at Audi Formula Racing GmbH, a custom-built facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany. A technical office in Bicester, England, was also opened this year to tap into talent close to the majority of rival F1 teams.
Audi CFO Jürgen Rittersberger said: “F1 is more than just motorsport.” “It’s entertainment, emotion, technology and at the same time a challenge. But it’s precisely this combination that will take us to our destination: inspiring a new group of Audi customers.”
“The influence of F1 is significant and there is an opportunity to attract new customers for our brand, particularly in the younger target group where F1 is experiencing rapid growth.
“Thanks to the cost cap, F1 is also more financially sustainable than ever before. When we look at the development of sponsorship opportunities, team valuations and the overall revenue potential in F1, one thing becomes clear: this path makes perfect sense for Audi financially.”
Audi first announced it would arrive in the summer of 2022, and plans with Sauber were confirmed later that year. A new 3,300 square foot building was then constructed at the Neuberg facility and the completely new power unit was commissioned for the first time in May 2024.
Although the team’s brand identity did not incorporate the livery or sponsorship that had been fully planned, Audi has already confirmed Revolut as its title partner for 2026, and Adidas has an apparel partnership with the team.
