Overview
- Audi revealed its three‑tone R26 concept livery in Munich and said the final race car with sponsor branding will be shown in January 2026.
- CEO Gernot Döllner set a goal to fight for world championships from 2030 as Sauber transitions into an Audi works team with engines built in Neuburg and a lineup of Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
- Ford confirmed a Season Launch on January 15, 2026 at Detroit’s Michigan Central Station where Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will present their 2026 liveries and preview the joint Ford–Red Bull power unit.
- Teams target the Barcelona test on January 26–30, with early launches enabling running in official 2026 colors rather than camouflage during the first, closed week.
- The 2026 technical package raises the electric share of propulsion to roughly half and reduces car size and weight, and Ford says it will also give a first glimpse of an upcoming sports car at the Detroit event.