Audi Makes Its Grand Entry: The Audi Revolut F1 Team Officially Debuted in Berlin
A new era in the pinnacle of motorsport has arrived. On Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, the Audi Revolut F1 Team was officially unveiled at the historic Kraftwerk event location in Berlin. This marks a monumental milestone as Audi prepares to make its historic debut as a factory team in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Power Unit: A German Engineering Masterpiece
At the heart of this project is the Audi R26 race car, powered by a cutting-edge hybrid drivetrain—the AFR 26 Hybrid. This power unit was developed entirely at Audi’s state-of-the-art facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany.
The technical specifications for 2026 bring a massive shift to the sport. The new race cars will feature active aerodynamics and a ‘boost mode’ that replaces the traditional DRS, offering maximum electric power for overtaking or defending. The electric motor will now produce up to 350 kW, nearly matching the 400 kW generated by the 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine, which runs on 100% sustainable fuel developed in partnership with bp.
Meet the Drivers: Experience Meets Youth
The Audi Revolut F1 Team will be led by a formidable driver pairing:
- Nico Hülkenberg (Germany): A veteran with over 250 Grand Prix starts, bringing deep technical experience to the development phase.
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Brazil): A rising star and former F3 champion, representing the next generation of F1 talent.
The team is managed by industry heavyweights, with Jonathan Wheatley serving as Team Principal and Mattia Binotto heading the overall Audi F1 Project.
Iconic Design and Global Identity
The team also revealed its striking new race livery, featuring Titanium—a color referencing Audi’s motorsport heritage—and the newly introduced Audi Red. For fans in India and globally, an exclusive fan collection developed with adidas will be available starting February 19, 2026.
To provide fans and media with a direct line to the team, Audi has launched its new Content Hub (contenthub.audif1.com), which will offer regular updates, news, and behind-the-scenes insights throughout the race weekends.
What’s Next for Audi?
The road to the first race is moving quickly:
- January 26–30: Private shakedown in Barcelona.
- February 11–20: Official pre-season testing in Bahrain.
- March 8: The official debut at the Australian Grand Prix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Audi make its Formula 1 debut? Audi will participate in its first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix on March 8, 2026, in Australia.
Who are the drivers for the Audi Revolut F1 Team? The team has signed German veteran Nico Hülkenberg and Brazilian talent Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2026 season.
Where is the Audi F1 car being developed? The project is split across three key locations: the power unit is developed in Neuburg, Germany; the chassis and race operations are based in Hinwil, Switzerland; and the Audi Motorsport Technology Centre UK is located in Bicester.
What fuel will the Audi F1 car use? In line with the 2026 regulations, the car will use sustainable fuel developed exclusively with bp.
How can fans buy Audi F1 merchandise? The official fan collection will be available on the team’s website and via adidas starting from February 19, 2026.
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