Audi presents livery of the R26 for the 2026 F1 season with Bortoleto and Hülkenberg
The Audi team presented this Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Munich, Germany, the concept of the R26 car for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, aged 20, and German Nico Hülkenberg, aged 37, participated in the event as official drivers of the new formation. The revelation comes after the full acquisition of Sauber by the German automaker, which debuts as a factory on the grid with updated regulations.
The concept displays a visual identity in silver, black and red, replacing the green of the previous Sauber. These tones refer to Audi’s achievements in categories such as the World Endurance Championship and the World Rally. Bortoleto, in his second year in the category, expressed commitment to the project during the ceremony.
The initiative aims to align the team with the new 2026 standards, which include greater electrification and 100% sustainable fuel. Managers highlight the collective effort to build the team from scratch, with a focus on continuous learning.
- Main changes to the regulations: increase from 120 kW to 350 kW in electrical power.
- Fuel consumption: reduction from 100 kg to 70 kg per race.
- Engines: 1.6-liter turbo V6 with 400 kW of total combined power.
Driver duo combines experience and youth
Nico Hülkenberg brings back more than 200 F1 races, including his first podium at Silverstone this year. He signed a multi-year contract with Sauber in April and heads into the Audi era. The German emphasized the importance of consistent laps for thedevelopment.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Formula 3 champion in 2023, debuted at Sauber in 2025 and accumulated points in several stages. Its stay until 2026 reflects the strategy of mixing emerging talents with veterans. The Brazilian arrived at the event in a Dakar Rally-winning vehicle, symbolizing the brand’s off-road heritage.
Hybrid engine development progresses in Neuburg
Audi builds its own engine at its headquarters in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany, to meet 2026 requirements. The project, starting in 2022, uses test beds to optimize combustion with fuel from sources such as municipal waste and carbon capture. So far, efficiency targets have been achieved.
Mattia Binotto, head of the project and former director of Ferrari, coordinates the work alongside Jonathan Wheatley, ex-Red Bull. They oversee integrations between the engine and chassis, manufactured in Hinwil, Switzerland. A center in Bicester, UK, supports with technical expertise.
Sustainable fuel, developed with an experienced partner, gains competitive relevance. Single cylinder testing, permitted by the FIA, accelerates progress. The automaker investsin e-fuels via Porsche, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group.
The team operates with funding from the Qatari fund, which purchased a minority stake for 350 million dollars. This dispersed geographic structure guarantees specialization at each stage.
Audi’s history in motorsport goes back decades
The German brand competed in Grand Prix before World War II, returning with strength in rallies and endurance. Its entry into F1 aligns with the 2022 announcement, motivated by ecological rules. CEO Gernot Dollner sees the category as a catalyst for innovation.
In 2026, the R26 begins a five-year journey until fighting for titles in 2030. Initial errors are to be expected, but the focus remains on annual progress. Sauber’s acquisition, initially for engines, evolved into full control.
The calendar starts on March 8 in Melbourne, with 24 stages. Initial tests take place in early 2026, revealing the final aerodynamics. The conceptual livery already integrates Audi’s four iconic rings.
Goals for 2026 prioritize adaptation to new regulations
The R26 adapts to smaller chassis and redesigned aerodynamics, with removalMGU-H to simplify costs. The electrical power balances the system 50/50 with the combustion engine. This configuration attracted manufacturers such as Cadillac, the ninth team on the grid.
Bortoleto and Hülkenberg will test updated simulators soon, avoiding inaccurate initial impressions. The pair scored 62 points at Sauber in 2025, surpassing previous years. The team emphasizes collaboration between engineers and mechanics.
- Key facilities: Neuburg for engines, Hinwil for chassis, Bicester for technology.
- Investment: Expansion under cost ceiling, with recruitment of international experts.
- Partnerships: Fuels with bp and Castrol for optimization.
Logistics preparations involve three countries
Dispersed production optimizes resources, with engines in Germany and chassis in Switzerland. The British hub accesses the “Motorsport Valley” for talent. This network accelerates development from January 2023.
Binotto highlights the collective passion when the engine is first fired, scheduled for early 2026. The complete car debuts on the track shortly after. The team recruits from rivals, facilitated by proximity to the headquarters in Ingolstadt.
The project reinforces Audi’s transition to more efficient vehicles, mirroring innovations from F1. With 11 teams, the grid becomes more competitive.
