Overview
- Audi set a phased roadmap: challenger in 2026–27, competitive from 2028 and aiming to fight for world titles from 2030.
- The R26 Concept revealed a titanium, carbon‑black and Audi Red scheme, with the final race livery due in January 2026 ahead of closed Barcelona tests late January and public Bahrain running in February, before the March 8 Melbourne opener.
- Leadership and driver lineup are confirmed with Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley running the program and Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto in the cockpit.
- Audi is building its own power unit in Neuburg for the higher‑electric 2026 rules with sustainable fuels and smaller, lighter cars, following early simulator testing and ongoing development.
- Ford and Red Bull will unveil 2026 liveries on January 15 in Detroit, with Ford focused on the electric side of the powertrain while Red Bull develops the internal combustion engine, covering both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.