Audi has revealed its new visual concept for its first Formula 1 car at an event in Munich. The German manufacturer, which is taking over the Sauber team, presented the R26. The car features a silver, red, and black livery that highlights Audi’s famous four rings logo. The design is slightly different from the plans first shown three years ago, but the company says it reflects its vision for the future in motorsport.

The team will officially enter Formula 1 next year, transforming from the current Sauber squad. The driver line-up will remain the same, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto confirmed for 2026. The team will also have a new title sponsor, Revolut.

Audi’s CEO, Gernot Dollner, outlined the company’s long-term ambition, saying, “We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you do not become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”

Mattia Binotto, Audi’s chief operating officer, explained the team’s approach to achieving this goal. He described a three-phase plan of starting as a challenger, growing into a competitor, and ultimately aiming to become a championship-winning team. “The goal is clear. We want to fight for championships by 2030. That journey takes time, the right people, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation,” he said. Binotto also emphasised that developing both the car and the power unit in-house would give Audi a technical advantage over other teams.

Jonathan Wheatley, the team principal, spoke about the importance of teamwork and mindset. He has many years of experience at Red Bull and is leading the current Sauber team on the pit wall. “Championship-winning teams are not built on magic. They are built on people who believe in each other, in the process, and in the destination,” he said. Wheatley praised the drivers, noting that Hülkenberg and Bortoleto “bring passion and hunger and treat every lap as a chance to learn and move forward.” He also highlighted the progress the team has made, pointing to the quick rebuild of a car after Bortoleto’s crash in Brazil. “This team would not have been able to do that a year ago. That does not come from tools or investment. It comes from spirit and the team believing in itself.”

Dollner added that Formula 1 will help Audi become “leaner, faster, and more innovative.” While the first years will be a learning period, the team aims to grow quickly and build momentum, with the ultimate goal of competing for championships by 2030. Audi’s entry marks a carefully planned step into the sport, combining experience, investment, and team spirit.