Audi Revolut F1 Team sets January 20 as official date for launch of 2026 car in Berlin with Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

Audi announced this Monday, December 15th, the official launch date of its first car for the Fórmula 1 in 2026. The event will take place on January 20th, at Berlim, at Alemanha, with an immersive experience to present the complete single-seater.

The team, which will have the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto and the German Nico Hulkenberg as drivers, also confirmed the official name Audi Revolut F1 Team, in partnership with the British fintech. The following day, January 21st, there will be an opening for the public to view the car.

This revelation marks an important step in the German automaker’s preparation for its debut on the category’s grid, following the acquisition of Sauber.

• The R26 concept was presented in November, with colors in titanium silver, carbon black and neon red.
• Now, the launch will bring the final specifications of the car adapted to the new 2026 regulations.
• The changes include greater electrical power and the use of sustainable fuels.

New video just dropped ❤️🩶🖤🚨💯#audif1 pic.twitter.com/wMz5jkNddH

—Audi F1 Racing Team (@audi_f1stars)December 15, 2025

Team preparation for the new era

Audi has been structuring its operations in multiple countries to optimize the project. The engine factory is located in Neuburg an der Donau, in Alemanha, while the chassis is developed in Hinwil, in Suíça.

The technology center at Bicester, at Reino Unido, complements the work with local expertise in aerodynamics. Essas installations allow efficient integration between the powertrain and chassis areas.

Mattia Binotto, head of the F1 project, emphasized the team’s culture of precision. Ele highlighted that the launch in Berlim will unite all members before the official season debut.

Pilot duo confirmed

Gabriel Bortoleto, 21 years old, forms a pair with Nico Hulkenberg for 2026. The Brazilian has already competed for the Sauber structure in 2025, accumulating experience in the category.

Hulkenberg brings veteranism to the team, with years of participation on the grid. The combination of youth and experience is seen as strategic for the team’s initial development.

Bortoleto has expressed enthusiasm for the project at previous events. Ele mentioned the honor of representing Audi in his entry into Fórmula 1.

The duo participated in the concept presentation in November, posing next to the R26 prototype.

Partnership with Revolut and team identity

The inclusion of Revolut in the official name reflects a previously announced partnership. Fintech acts as title sponsor, integrating financial solutions into the team’s operations.

The logo combines elements from both brands, symbolizing innovation and performance. Jonathan Wheatley, team leader, described the name as joining forces in Alemanha, Suíça and Reino Unido.

This alliance aims to engage global fans with exclusive activations. Usuários from the platform will be able to access benefits related to races.

2026 regulatory changes

The new Fórmula 1 rules increase electrical power to almost match the combustion engine. The Audi develops its hybrid power unit with a focus on sustainable efficiency.

The cars will be lighter and more compact, promoting closer competition. Combustíveis synthetics become mandatory, in line with the category’s environmental goals.

The German automaker takes advantage of experience in hybrids from other competitions. The powertrain has already undergone complete simulations on the test bench.

Private testing will take place on Barcelona starting January 26th, shortly after launch.

Grid launch calendar

Audi is one of the teams that have already set dates for 2026. Red Bull and Racing Bulls present their paintings on January 15, in a joint event with Ford.

Alpine chose January 23, close to initial testing. Aston Martin has set February 9th to reveal the AMR26.

Cadillac plans to display its livery during an event in the Estados Unidos. Outras teams are still expected to announce their schedules in the coming days.

These presentations precede the pre-season divided between Barcelona and Bahrein.

Legacy of Sauber and transition

Audi maintains the names of parts of the Swiss structure in honor of the founder Peter Sauber. Sauber Holding AG and Sauber Technologies AG remain unchanged.

Sauber Motorsport AG becomes Audi Motorsport AG. The center at Reino Unido is called Audi Motorsport Technology Centre UK.

This transition preserves the history of the team that competed for decades in F1. The base at Hinwil remains responsible for racing operations.

The project began in 2022, with the announcement of entry as an engine supplier. The total acquisition of Sauber occurred progressively over the following years.

Expectations for the premiere

Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi, reinforced the brand’s innovative spirit at Fórmula 1.

The team aims for gradual competitiveness in the new rules. Líderes internal employees talk about long-term ambition to fight for high positions.

Bortoleto will have its first complete car for Audi at the Berlim event. The Brazilian represents the new generation of drivers on the grid expanded to 11 teams.

The 2026 season starts in March, at Austrália, with a grid of 22 cars.