Audi has confirmed the official launch date of its Fórmula 1 car for the 2026 season. The event, which promises to be a milestone in the German automaker’s entry into the category, is scheduled for January 20th in Berlim, capital of Alemanha.
On this occasion, a new single-seater, designed for the new F1 technical regulations, will be unveiled. Expectations are high for the presentation of the vehicle that symbolizes Audi’s ambition in motorsport.
The team also made its name official as Audi Revolut F1 Team, after establishing a technical partnership with a British fintech. The pilot lineup for 2026 will include the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto and the German Nico Hülkenberg, consolidating the structure for the future.
Launch in Berlim and the new era of F1
The launch event at Berlim, scheduled for January 20, will be the first opportunity for the public and media to see the 2026 Audi Revolut F1 car. Esta presentation precedes a more comprehensive public launch, scheduled for January 21, highlighting the strategic importance of the German capital.
The decision to host the launch at Alemanha underlines the brand’s strong bond with its roots and the European market. The entry of Audi into Fórmula 1 is seen as a crucial move for its global marketing and technological development strategy, aiming for competitive performance from the beginning.
The car’s specifications, still under secrecy, promise to incorporate innovations to adapt to 2026 regulations.
Pilot duo confirmed for 2026
The young Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, aged 21, will make his debut in Fórmula 1 in 2026 alongside the experienced Nico Hülkenberg. Bortoleto has already demonstrated its talent in tests with Sauber in 2025, highlighting its ability to adapt and speed.
Hülkenberg, in turn, brings extensive experience in the category, with years of participation in several teams and in-depth technical knowledge. The combination of his expertise with the drive and potential of Bortoleto is seen as a strategic pillar for the team’s initial development.
Both pilots participated in the conceptual presentation in November and have already flown the R26 prototype in the simulator. Essa The advance preparation phase is essential for the duo to familiarize themselves with the characteristics of the new car and optimize performance before the official debut.
Revolut Partnership Boosts Identity
The inclusion of “Revolut” in the team’s official name reflects the previously announced partnership with the fintech. The company will act as title sponsor, providing crucial financial and technological support for the team’s operations at Fórmula 1.
The team’s logo was designed to integrate elements from both brands, symbolizing innovation and high performance. Andreas Seidl, team leader, highlighted that this unified identity will strengthen the joint efforts of Audi on its foundations in Alemanha, Suíça and Inglaterra.
This collaboration aims to deliver an impactful global activation for fans of Fórmula 1, with the Revolut platform offering access to exclusive motorsport-related content. The synergy between the companies is designed to maximize visibility and engagement on a global scale.
2026 Technological Advancements and Regulations
The new Fórmula 1 regulations for 2026 foresee a substantial increase in electrical power, which will be equivalent to that of the internal combustion engine. Audi is focused on developing a high-performance hybrid powertrain to meet these requirements.
The cars will also be lighter and more compact, requiring a more agile and efficient chassis. Essa change aims to optimize racing dynamics and competitiveness between teams, promoting a more exciting spectacle for spectators.
The use of 100% sustainable fuels will be standardized, aligning Fórmula 1 with the global objectives of reducing emissions and innovation in clean energy. Audi, with its experience in other categories, seeks to lead this technological transition.
Powertrain development is undergoing extensive simulation testing to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. Esses testing is crucial to refine each component before the physical testing phase.
Infrastructure and team development
Audi is expanding its operations in several countries to optimize the production of its F1 components. The engine factory is located at Neuburg an der Donau, at Alemanha, a center of excellence in automotive engineering.
The car’s chassis is being developed in Hinwil, in Suíça, taking advantage of the expertise of the structure of Sauber. The technical center at Inglaterra, in turn, uses state-of-the-art facilities for aerodynamic testing, ensuring perfect integration between powertrain and chassis.
This global infrastructure enables efficient collaboration between development teams, ensuring every aspect of the car is optimized. Audi’s multifaceted approach aims to build a solid foundation for success at Fórmula 1.
F1 presentation calendar
Audi is one of the first teams to set its schedule for the 2026 season, launching on January 20th. Outras grid teams are also finalizing their preparations for the presentations:
These presentations will precede the pre-season tests, which traditionally take place between Bahrein and Barcelona, preparing the ground for the start of the competition.
Transition and legacy of Sauber
Audi recognized the contribution of Sauber, which played a key role in the initial phase of the operation in Hinwil. The entities Sauber Motorsport AG and Sauber Technologies AG will maintain their structures and operations.
The Sauber Motorsport AG team will be renamed Audi Motorsport AG, while the technical center at Inglaterra will be renamed Audi Motorsport Technologies Centre UK. Esta transition ensures the continuity of the legacy of a team with decades of experience at Fórmula 1.
The foundation established in Hinwil provides robust operational support for the entry of Audi. The project, announced in 2022 initially as an engine supplier, culminated in the complete acquisition of Sauber over the following years.