Audi to take on a world-first milestone ahead of the 2026 F1 season
Rendering of the 2026 Audi's F1 car - Image: Audi MediaCenter
Co-author:Kada Sárközi
Nicole MulderManaging Editor
Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent FIA accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
Audi will complete its 2026 shakedown tomorrow (Friday) at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, becoming the first Formula 1 team to do so.
GPblog can confirm that Audi has a so-called filming day scheduled for Friday at the circuit in Barcelona.
This makes Audi the first team to take to the track with an F1 car under the new 2026 regulations. Earlier, the German manufacturer confirmed they have successfully completed their new car's fire-up as well.
Audi to complete shakedown on Friday
The shakedown is not yet a real test: that will take place for the first time at the end of January, also at the same circuit.
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During the filming day, several restrictions apply: a maximum of 200 kilometers may be covered and special Pirelli demonstration tyres must be on the cars instead of the actual compounds that will be used in 2026.
The main focus will be to check whether everything fundamentally works as expected.
Audi completes its shakedown on Friday in Barcelona - Photo: Audi F1 Team
Audi has been in the spotlight lately. After announcing the first successful fire-up of the new F1 team, Max Verstappen’s former chief mechanic, Lee Stevenson, announced that he has been promoted to team manager at Audi.
Soon the car launch will follow as well: it is scheduled for January 20 in Berlin. The day after, on January 21, fans will be able to watch the new car in person.
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