F1: Audi carries out first real test of the 2026 R26 with Bortoleto and Hulkenberg in Barcelona
Audi became the first Fórmula 1 team to put the car designed for the 2026 season on the track. Nesta Friday (9), the single-seater R26 ran in the Circuito of Barcelona-Catalunya, in the Espanha. Drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg took turns driving during a day of filming authorized by the FIA.
The session was a shakedown and served to check the functioning of the vehicle’s basic components and systems. The activity took place within the specific rules of the regulation for this type of promotional event. The German team took the opportunity to test the self-powered engine for the first time in real track conditions.
The R26 engine had already been started for the first time on December 19, 2025 at the Hinwil factory, at Suíça. Entering the track marks the beginning of the practical validation phase of the complete set consisting of chassis and power unit.
🚨 First Images of the Audi R26 Prototype
— F1 Grand Slam (@F1GrandSlam)January 9, 2026
This is just a prototype of the 2026 car, as Audi was using the test to check the running of the engine. As you can see it still has the wheel arches of 2025
A different aero spec will arrive in Bahrainpic.twitter.com/YMJl6c9HLk
Shakedown follows strict FIA rules
The regulations limit the total mileage to 200 km, which is equivalent to approximately 42 laps on the Barcelona route. The session used demonstration tires supplied by Pirelli, different from the compounds used in the official races.
Each team is entitled to two activities of this type throughout the year. Audi chose to carry out the shakedown as early as possible to save time in developing the project.
The session was non-competitive and served exclusively for technical checking and initial data collection. The information obtained will guide the necessary adjustments before collective testing.
Bortoleto and Hulkenberg accumulate first kilometers
Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg shared track time throughout the day. The duo was able to evaluate the car’s initial behavior in different configurations.
The experience accumulated by the pilots will be fundamental for refining the technical package. The data collected helps the team identify possible areas for improvement in advance.
The Brazilian Bortoleto has participated in the program since the announcement of the partnership with Audi. Sua presence at the shakedown reinforces the German team’s long-term planning.
New engine and break with the Ferrari
Audi started to develop its own power unit for the 2026 season. The change represents the end of the previous relationship with Ferrari, when the team still operated as Sauber.
The 2026 regulation brings important changes to hybrid engines and energy management. The German team prioritized reliability in the first stages of the project.
The independent development of the power unit demonstrates the automaker’s technical capabilities. The strategy aims to guarantee competitiveness from the beginning of the new technical era.
Official launch scheduled for Berlim
The R26 car will be officially presented to the public on January 20th, at an event held in Berlim, at Alemanha. The ceremony will showcase the single-seater’s final paint job, which combines silver, black and red.
After the launch, the team heads to the first pre-season test between January 26th and 30th. Essa session will take place again on Barcelona, but behind closed doors.
The collective testing calendar continues at Bahrein with two activities: from February 11th to 13th and from February 18th to 20th. Todos training days at Circuito Internacional of Sakhir will be broadcast on sportv3.
