Audi leads the way with first official 2026 F1 car concept reveal

21:00, 12 Nov

Updated: 22:16, 12 Nov

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byTobia Elia

Audi is striding confidently toward its historic Formula 1 debut in just a few months.

“By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”

- Gernot Döllner

The German team officially unveiled its first 2026 concept car, offering the very first details of what their cars in the next era of regulations could look like—without, of course, revealing much about the actual design.

The car features Audi’s classic color scheme, as the German giant prepares to join the Formula 1 grid next year as the sport’s eleventh official team.

Today’s event marks the first official step in the transition process that will see Sauber rebranded as Audi in just over a month, as part of the ambitious project led by Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley.

Photo: Audi MediaCenter

115 days before its first race in Formula 1, Audi provided a preview of the company’s presence in the pinnacle of motorsport at its Brand Experience Center in Munich.

“By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement,” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi.

“We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo.

“By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”

Photo: Audi MediaCenter

Mattia Binotto, head of Audi F1 Project, said: “The goal is clear: to fight for championships by 2030. That journey takes time, the right people and a mindset of continuous improvement.

“Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a journey of progress. Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation.

“Early next year, Audi’s first F1 car will take to the track for the first time. That moment will be the beginning of something special.”

Photo: Audi MediaCenter

Team Principal of the future Audi F1 factory team, Jonathan Wheatley said: “This journey is not just about the destination but about engaging with the people who make every step possible.

“It is about your mindset, focus, resilience and confidence without complacency. We will face setbacks, but each one will be a learning experience that will lead to new strength.”

Meanwhile, Sauber continue their battle for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, despite Gabriel Bortoleto’s double zero on his home debut at Interlagos proving a major setback, particularly as Red Bull and Haas racked up crucial points.

The team currently sits 20 points off sixth, with three Grands Prix and a sprint still to come in Las Vegas, Losail, and Abu Dhabi before the big shake-up in 2026.

Photo: Audi MediaCenter

Red Bull confirms launch day of Verstappen's RB22

As GPblog previously reported, Red Bull has now confirmed that the RB22 will be launched on 15 January in Detroit, Michigan—right in the birthplace of Ford, which will return to Formula 1 next year alongside the Milton Keynes outfit.

The RB22 won’t be the only car on display, with Red Bull’s next car also set to be unveiled in front of those attending, even though the team’s driver lineup has yet to be officially confirmed.

So far, no other team has revealed when they will unveil their cars.

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