Audi have unveiled their new race car ahead of the 2026 Formula One season.
This season will see Audi make its official entry into F1 as a works team as it takes over Sauber’s entry in the series, which ended the Swiss constructor’s 32-year spell in the sport and isn’t the first time that the team had been a works team after it previously ran as BMW Sauber between 2006-09 seasons.
Audi have retained Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg as the driver line-up, having worked with Sauber to sign both drivers up on multi-year contracts as part of the transition, and will run their own power units.
This season though saw an notable change of livery from Sauber’s green-and-black style to Audi’s new silver livery with orange and black featured at the rear, alongside the iconic Audi logo in orange.
Audi CEO, Gernot Dollner was joined by Team Principal, Jonathan Wheatley plus Bortoleto and Hulkenberg at the launch in Switzerland.
Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi,” explained Dollner who iterated that the team are ready deliver success. “Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motorsport, and we are here not just to compete, but to define the future of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’
“This project is a catalyst for our entire company, a symbol of our transformation towards a more performance-driven, efficient, and innovative culture. Our philosophy is one of absolute, long-term commitment.
“We understand that success in Formula 1 demands relentless perseverance and Audi Revolut F1 Team is not here to make up the numbers; we aim to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030.”
Hulkenberg has been involved in F1 since his debut in 2010 and last season saw him claim his first F1 podium at a rain-affected British Grand Prix, with the German aware of the difference between ambition and capability to deliver success.
Having been in the Formula 1 paddock for many years, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability,” commented Hulkenberg. “What I feel here today is a profound seriousness and an incredible energy that sets this team apart.
“We are 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. We have the chance to build something very special together and I am looking forward to get this car on the track in Melbourne.”
Bortoleto meanwhile is entering his second season and is relishing racing for Audi in their first F1 campaign, having grown up knowing of their dominance at Le Mans and in rallying but feels ready to step up and handle the pressure of being an Audi driver.
“To race for the Four Rings, a brand that has such an iconic and victorious history in motorsport is, quite simply, a dream come true. You grow up hearing about the dominance of Audi at Le Mans and in rallying, and to now be chosen to carry that legacy into Formula 1 is an unbelievable honour. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I feel the weight of the responsibility, but more than that, I feel an incredible motivation to learn, to push, and to grow with this team. I am ready to give my absolute all to help write this great chapter for Audi Revolut F1 Team.”
Leave a Reply