Overview
- Audi confirmed its first F1 campaign will run under the Audi banner after taking full control of Sauber, operating across Neuburg for power units, Hinwil for race operations, and a new technology office in Bicester.
- The R26 Concept previews a titanium, carbon black and Audi red livery with red four rings, establishing the brand identity that will carry onto the 2026 car.
- Neuburg’s in‑house 1.6‑litre V6 hybrid power unit has completed a full race‑simulation test and will run on sustainable fuels in partnership with bp, with initial race‑ready units due to ship in late 2025.
- Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto are locked in as the 2026 driver lineup, with Jonathan Wheatley as team principal and Mattia Binotto overseeing the F1 project.
- Commercial backing includes bp, Adidas and Revolut as title sponsor, alongside new investment from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, while the program targets a January 2026 car reveal, Barcelona and Bahrain tests, and a Melbourne race debut in March.