Overview
- The team confirmed full works status with an in‑house power unit built in Neuburg and chassis operations in Hinwil supported by a Bicester satellite.
- The R26 ran a private filming shakedown on Jan. 9 at Barcelona, with a closed test set for Jan. 26–30 before two Bahrain sessions and the Mar. 8 Australian Grand Prix opener.
- Berlin’s reveal used a show car wearing a titanium/silver, black and Lava Red scheme with title sponsor Revolut after images of the real R26 leaked online.
- Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto remain as drivers under team principal Jonathan Wheatley, with Mattia Binotto leading the Audi F1 project.
- Audi’s entry is timed to F1’s 2026 rules reset featuring active aerodynamics and a near 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, elevating energy management and reliability priorities.