Audi is taking the lead for the 2026 F1 season by unveiling its first F1 concept car, the R26, marking the brand’s official foray into a racing category it has never entered before. While there are still a few races left in 2025, Audi clearly can’t wait any longer and is showcasing the R26 to illustrate its future direction in racing.
The design of the R26 closely aligns with the new regulations for 2026, featuring a sleek, elongated silhouette with a louvered front wing, extended nose cone, streamlined body, and adjustable rear wing—all focused on practical performance. What truly catches the eye is the brand-new racing livery, referred to by Audi as Formula 1 Identity. The car showcases a Titanium front, Audi Red side boxes, and Carbon Black rear, with strong lines that impart a sense of speed through its tri-color layering. The four-ring logo has also been updated to Audi Red, prominently placed at the tip of the nose, on both sides of the air intakes, and atop the rear wing, creating a striking and sharp visual impact.
Audi started its partnership with Sauber Group as early as 2022, progressively acquiring shares and is set to fully take over the current Kick Sauber in 2026, officially entering the scene as a factory team. The power unit is developed in-house by Audi, featuring a new racing-compliant 1.6L V6 Turbo hybrid system, marking the brand’s debut in F1 power unit development. Rumors suggest that former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto may join the management team of the new team, while current driver Nico Hülkenberg has confirmed his commitment until 2026. As for Gabriel Bortoleto, he is widely regarded as a potential future driver on the roster, although official announcements are still pending.
The final version of R26 will officially debut in January 2026, and after the addition of sponsor logos, the design will closely match the specifications for the competition.
