Overview
- Audi unveiled the R26 livery in Berlin and confirmed it will enter 2026 as a fully integrated works team developing chassis and power unit in tandem.
- Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto were named as the 2026 drivers, and the team set an official goal to fight for championships by 2030.
- Project lead Mattia Binotto said Audi does not expect to have the best power unit at the start and warned of possible early reliability issues.
- Reports suggest rivals may exploit a compression-related motor concept under the 2026 rules, and the FIA held a technical experts’ meeting on January 22 to ensure common interpretation.
- Audi has already conducted an early film day and full-vehicle dyno work, with private pre-season running in Barcelona from January 26–30 set to provide the first broader on-track readouts.