Audi Enters Formula 1 in 2026: Inside the Audi R26 and Hybrid Power Unit

Audi is preparing for its long-awaited entry into Formula 1 in 2026, marking a major milestone in the brand’s motorsport history. The project will debut with the Audi R26, powered by the AFR 26 Hybrid power unit developed at Audi’s Neuburg an der Donau facility.

The Audi R26 was first fired up in the chassis shortly before Christmas at the Hinwil site, followed by its initial rollout at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on January 9 during a filming day. These early tests signal that Audi’s Formula 1 program has moved from development into full operational readiness.

Formula 1 will enter a new technical era in 2026, introducing some of the most significant regulation changes in the sport’s history. The new cars will feature active aerodynamics, replacing the traditional DRS with a boost mode that delivers additional electric power for overtaking and defense. The hybrid system will combine up to 350 kW of electric power with a 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine producing approximately 400 kW, running on sustainable fuel developed in partnership with bp.

Audi also unveiled the visual identity of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, including race livery, team apparel, and driver overalls. Drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg will represent Audi in the 2026 season. The team’s branding introduces a new color palette and font family while remaining unmistakably Audi, extending from the racetrack to digital platforms.

The next major milestone will be the private shakedown of the new Formula 1 cars in Barcelona, followed by official pre-season testing in Bahrain. These sessions will be the final preparation steps before Audi’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix appearance.

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is a strategic flagship project, reflecting the brand’s technological and cultural realignment. With cost caps ensuring financial sustainability and Formula 1’s global reach offering unmatched exposure, the timing aligns perfectly with Audi’s focus on electrification, innovation, and sustainable mobility. Building on decades of motorsport success—from rallying to Le Mans and Formula E—Audi aims to carry its legacy of engineering leadership into the pinnacle of motorsport.