Audi has officially presented its first Formula 1 car as the manufacturer prepares for its debut in the world championship this year.

However the first images of the new car leaked through links to their location on Audi’s website ahead of Tuesday’s launch.

Audi officially uncovered its R26 in an event in Berlin. Audi CEO Gernot Dollner reiterated the team’s goal to compete for the Formula 1 world championship by 2030.

The manufacturer has taken over the team formerly known as Sauber. While its chassis was built at the Swiss team’s base in Hinwil, Audi developed and constructed its all-new F1 power unit in Neuberg.

“We have spent the last few years meticulously building not just a power unit in Neuburg but laying the foundations for a technical organisation that binds our chassis development in Hinwil and Bicester,” said the head of Audi’s F1 project Mattia Binotto. “This seamless integration gives us total control over our destiny, eliminating compromises and enabling a level of agility and innovation that is essential for success.

“This is what makes Audi Revolut F1 Team one vision, controlling every variable from the engine block to the front wing. This is the foundation upon which championships are built.”

The R26 has already run in a private test at the Circuit de Catalunya two weeks ago, where drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto had their first chance to sample it.

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Hulkenberg said Audi’s F1 project is “a true works team with a clear, long-term vision backed by immense resources and world-class expertise.”

“For a driver, the proposition of being with Audi at the very start of its journey is exceptionally exciting,” he added. “We have the chance to build something very special together and I am looking forward to get this car on the track in Melbourne.”

Pictures: 2026 Audi F1 launch

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