Audi in Formula 1: A presentation with a lot of pomp and fanfare

With much pomp and fanfare, the paintwork of the Audi R26 was presented with all sponsors in Berlin „Kraftwerk“ presented, the former Berlin-Mitte thermal power station converted into an event hall.

Hundreds of journalists from all over the world came and almost as many influencers. In the middle of it all, the two pilots endured the interview marathon, the German local hero Nico Hulkenberg (38) and the 17 years younger Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA).

The Sauber racing team is history after 32 years. The Swiss were taken over by Audi. While the chassis continues to be manufactured in Hinwil, Switzerland, Audi has taken a bold step and is building the engine itself – in the new engine factory in Neuburg an der Donau.

Besides Audi is also rising Cadillac (as the eleventh team) into Formula 1 this year. The reason for the timing is obvious, because the cards are being reshuffled due to the rule reform: new drives, sustainable fuel, higher electrical output, more maneuverable cars. “The 2026 rules are the perfect time to get involved,” says Mattia Binotto. The former Ferrari team boss leads Audi’s F1 involvement. “We have been a real factory team right from the start. The development of the drive and chassis takes place in perfect synergy. This is the core of our competitive strategy.”

World Cup title 2030?

The bosses at Audi are setting the bar high. From 2030 they want to compete for the world championship. “Our entry into Formula 1 is part of something bigger on the ultimate stage,” enthuses Gernot Döllnerthe CEO of Audi. Team boss Jonathan Wheatley speaks of Formula 1 as “the most complex team sport in the world. We are here to face challenges, develop and ultimately win.”

There probably won’t be much to gain in 2026. The first year will be a learning year. The favorites are different this year. Mercedes should have taken the right steps in the development of the new engine and made progress on the competition. This also fuels the Mercedes customer teams McLaren, Williams and Alpine.

Where the teams really stand will be revealed at the earliest during the test drives from January 26th and at the latest at the first race on March 8th in Melbourne.