As revealed by the team, the fire-up took place at Audi’s Hinwil facility on December 19, marking “the first time the Audi power unit has been run while installed in the chassis, symbolising the project’s transition from design to dynamic reality.”

It marks a key milestone for the German manufacturer, which is set to unveil its car on 20 January in Berlin before heading to Barcelona for closed-door testing.

The Montmeló running will mark the first of three testing sessions allocated to help teams prepare for the upcoming regulatory overhaul, with the remaining two tests scheduled to take place in Bahrain in February.

Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, commented: “A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil.

Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley added: “This successful fire-up is a critical milestone that validates the quality of the work and collaboration across all departments. It energises the entire team and provides a clear focus as we prepare for the next phases of development, including the moment we first bring the car to track.

Finally, Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport AG, concluded: “For Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand’s ongoing renewal. This milestone is a clear demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition.

“It is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organisation. This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm. With the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history.”

Sauber approached 2025 as a season of transition, but under the guidance of Binotto the focus was never solely on results. The year was about showing resilience, internal cohesion and the ability to address a difficult technical situation that emerged early on. Those qualities ultimately mattered more than a ninth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, as they signalled that the groundwork for a highly ambitious future project is firmly in place.

The real benchmark, however, will come in 2026, when the team faces its first true litmus test — particularly from an engine perspective. Even with vast experience in other racing categories, Sauber will be challenged to adapt quickly and prove its technical credentials by designing and producing a power unit from scratch in one of the most competitive eras Formula 1 has ever seen.