Audi Formula One Team Unveils R26 Livery, Targets Championship Push by 2030

Audi Formula One team unveils its debut R26 livery, outlines a five-year plan to challenge for championships, and prepares for a new engine era by 2030

The Audi Formula One team officially unveiled its debut car livery on Tuesday, setting the clock ticking on an ambitious five-year plan to challenge for world championships by 2030. The launch event took place at Berlin’s iconic Kraftwerk power station, streamed live to fans around the world, symbolising Audi’s formal entry into the pinnacle of motorsport.

Formerly known as Sauber, the Swiss-based outfit finished ninth out of 10 teams in its final season under its previous identity. Now rebranded, the Audi Formula One team is embracing both the opportunity and the challenge of building a competitive force from the ground up.

R26 Livery Signals Identity and Intent

The newly revealed car, named the Audi R26, features a predominantly grey colour scheme complemented by bold red accents. The four interlinked rings of Audi’s logo stand out prominently on the rear wing, reinforcing the manufacturer’s heritage and commitment to Formula One.

Project head Mattia Binotto described the unveiling as a starting point rather than a finished product. He emphasised that the team is at the beginning of a long journey that will require patience, learning, and consistent development to reach the front of the grid.

Leadership Focused on Long-Term Success

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who previously enjoyed major success with Red Bull, made it clear that the Audi Formula One team is serious about its ambitions. While acknowledging the current position of the team, Wheatley said the launch represented a statement of intent and a clear vision for the future.

He stressed that while immediate results may not come overnight, the foundations are being laid to eventually make Audi one of the most successful teams in Formula One history.

Audi’s In-House Engine Strategy

One of the most significant aspects of Audi’s entry is its decision to manufacture its own power unit. The R26 will run an Audi-built engine, placing the team among a select group not reliant on external suppliers such as Ferrari or Mercedes.

This move coincides with the start of a new engine and aerodynamic era in Formula One, adding uncertainty across the grid as teams prepare for private testing with limited data on performance and reliability.

Driver Line-Up Brings Stability

The Audi Formula One team will retain its existing driver pairing, with experienced German Nico Hülkenberg and young Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto continuing from last season. Both drivers expressed confidence in the team’s direction and enthusiasm for the journey ahead.

Hülkenberg, set to start his 251st career race in Australia on March 8, said the atmosphere within the Audi Formula One team is positive and aligned, adding that while this is only the beginning, the right ingredients are in place for long-term success.