This Is What Audi's First F1 Car Will Look Like When It Hits The Track
Audi just unveiled the R26 Concept during a launch event in Munich, a livery design preview of the automaker's 2026 Formula 1 hopeful.
Key Points
- Audi previews its first Formula 1 car, the R26 Concept in Munich ahead of its 2026 debut.
- It features a minimalist titanium, carbon black, and red livery inspired by the brand’s new design identity.
- Audi targets championship contention by 2030 — CEO Gernot Döllner says the company isn’t joining F1 just to participate, but to win, with full operations shared across facilities in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.
Audi R26 F1 Concept: All The Details
The concept wears titanium, the black of raw carbon fiber, and a newly introduced shade of Audi red, organized in a geometric color block design. Titanium dominates until the air inlet on top of the driver's head, before making way for the carbon and red graphic surfaces, which cut into the car's sidepod geometry for an interesting look—especially from above.
The car pictured is just a mock-up based on the FIA's 2026 ruleset car for the livery reveal. Look for Audi's real Formula 1 race car to debut in January. Keen eyes will notice the four Audi rings on the nosecone are also painted red. The automaker says that too is part of its new identity, so don't be surprised if that applique shows up on a road car sooner rather than later.
“By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement,” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi.”
According to Döllner, Audi is entering F1 with a roadmap: “We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance, and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”
After initially purchasing a 25 percent stake in the Sauber F1 Team in 2022, Audi has since taken complete ownership of the Swiss outfit as it races out the current ruleset in 2025 using its existing branding and livery.
The team’s leadership includes several familiar faces from Formula 1. Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal, was brought on as Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer, while Jonathan Wheatley, previously Red Bull’s sporting director, is working as team principal. In its last year as Sauber, the squad has scored solid midfield results, including an incredible podium finish for Nico Hülkenberg at Silverstone.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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