Audi Unveils Stunning Design for Upcoming Formula 1 Race Car

Aligned with its upcoming product lineup, Audi introduces a bold, uncompromising design philosophy for both the racetrack and beyond.

“By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear and ambitious statement,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “This marks the next chapter in the company’s transformation. Formula 1 will catalyze our shift toward a leaner, faster, and more innovative Audi.” According to Döllner, Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is backed by an ambitious yet realistic roadmap: “Audi isn’t joining Formula 1 just to participate—we’re here to win. We understand that becoming a top-tier team won’t happen overnight. It demands time, persistence, and a constant challenge to the status quo. By 2030, Audi aims to compete for the World Championship title.”

The Formula 1 team will debut Audi’s new brand identity

The Audi R26 concept car is a bold statement, offering a preview of the color scheme and design for the brand’s first Formula 1 race car, set to launch in January. This identity is rooted in Audi’s recently introduced design philosophy, guided by four principles: clarity, technical precision, intelligence, and emotion. “This makes the Formula 1 project a pioneer for our new brand identity, which will extend to both the F1 team and Audi as a whole,” said Audi’s Chief Design Officer, Massimo Frascella. The color palette features titanium, carbon black, and a new Audi red. As part of this identity, Audi will also use a red version of its iconic four-ring logo, emphasizing its presence in Formula 1.

F1: A global stage to champion “Progress through Technology”

Audi’s Formula 1 project is a strategic flagship initiative, reflecting the brand’s technological innovation, culture, and business ethos.

Formula 1 has been a global sporting platform for decades, boasting over 820 million fans and making it the world’s most popular sport. In 2024, approximately 1.6 billion viewers watched the races. The financial value of Formula 1 teams reaches billions of dollars. Audi’s future F1 team already has three global partners—Adidas, BP, and title partner Revolut—and has attracted significant interest from supporters.

To enter Formula 1, Audi acquired the Sauber Group in Switzerland earlier this year, enabling Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund to join as an investor. Leading the Audi F1 project are seasoned Formula 1 managers Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari Team Principal, and Jonathan Wheatley, reporting directly to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. The driver lineup combines the experience of veteran Nico Hülkenberg (Germany) with the youthful energy of rising star Gabriel Bortoleto (Brazil).

“Formula 1 is more than just a racing sport,” said Jürgen Rittersberger, CFO of AUDI AG. “It’s entertainment, emotion, and technology—all wrapped into one challenge. This combination will help us inspire new audiences. With Formula 1’s vast reach, we can attract new customers, especially younger demographics, where the sport is growing rapidly. Thanks to cost caps, Formula 1 is also more financially sustainable. When evaluating sponsorship opportunities, team performance, and overall revenue potential, it’s clear: This path aligns perfectly with Audi’s economic goals.”

From motorsport legacy to Formula 1 newcomer

Racing is ingrained in Audi’s DNA, driving technological progress and innovation. From the first mid-engine Grand Prix car to the quattro all-wheel drive in rallying, and from diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains at Le Mans to Formula E and the Dakar Rally, Audi has consistently pushed boundaries with determination, courage, and teamwork. Formula 1 is the next frontier.

Formula 1 serves as the ultimate test lab, with short development cycles, streamlined decision-making, and rapid innovation—a model Audi aims to adopt company-wide. The sport also offers access to cutting-edge technology and materials. Through open competition, Formula 1 drives advancements in electric mobility and sustainable fuels, aligning with Audi’s future production goals.

First Formula 1 race weekend

The future Audi F1 team will debut at a launch event in January 2026. Shortly after, the first official test drives with the new Formula 1 cars will take place in late January in Barcelona, Spain, in a private session.

During subsequent tests in Bahrain (February 11–13 and 18–20), the Audi team will publicly test the Formula 1 car for the first time, before officially debuting at the F1 season opener in Melbourne, Australia (March 6–8).

TH (Tuoitrethudo)