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Audi Unveils R26 Concept as It Gears Up for 2026 F1 Debut

The concept launch signals a 2026 entry built on an in-house hybrid power unit with the Sauber operation under Audi control.

Overview

  • Audi says its first complete hybrid power unit has passed final tests and will ship in December for assembly of the inaugural car.
  • The full race car is slated for a January 2026 reveal ahead of official Barcelona testing from January 26–30, with the first race set for March 8 in Australia.
  • Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto are confirmed as the 2026 driver pairing.
  • Mattia Binotto leads the project with Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, with operations split across Neuburg (power unit), Hinwil (chassis) and a UK tech center in Bicester.
  • The R26 Concept previews a titanium, black carbon and Audi red livery featuring the four rings, as Audi targets title contention by 2030.