Audi R26 Concept Revealed as the Brand Prepares for Formula 1

Audi unveils the R26 Concept, outlining its design identity and project goals ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 debut, with leadership detailing strategy and structure.

Audi has unveiled the Audi R26 Concept, offering the first clear preview of the brand’s Formula 1 identity ahead of its official debut in the 2026 season. The reveal in Munich was more than a design presentation — it marked a defining moment in Audi’s broader transformation, as the company positions Formel 1 as a catalyst for its global renewal.

At the “Audi One” event, CEO Gernot Dollner emphasized that entering Formula 1 is part of a much larger shift inside the company. He noted that the relentless pace of the sport — where every second counts — mirrors the performance culture Audi aims to build: faster decision-making, greater precision and a mindset focused on continuous improvement. According to Dollner, Formula 1 also gives Audi access to a wider and increasingly younger global audience, amplified by the sport’s massive reach across the US, Europe and China.

The R26 Concept embodies Audi’s new design philosophy built around the principles of clear, technical, intelligent and emotional. Minimalist graphic surfaces, sharp geometric cuts and a palette of titanium, carbon black and Audi red create a striking yet disciplined look. Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella describes the concept as part of a unified design system that will extend across both the racing program and the brand’s future production models.

Beyond the design, Audi outlined the structure of its Formula 1 project. In Neuburg, engineers are developing the next-generation hybrid power unit designed for the 2026 regulations, including sustainable fuels and a significantly more powerful electric component. In Hinwil, Switzerland, the team will design and build the chassis, while a new technology office in Bicester, UK, ensures direct access to specialist expertise in the heart of Motorsport Valley. The project is led by veteran Formula 1 figures Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley.

The driver pairing is already confirmed: Nico Hulkenberg brings extensive experience, while Gabriel Bortoleto represents the next generation of talent. Key partners — adidas, bp and future title partner Revolut — have already joined the project, and the team receives significant financial backing from the Qatar Investment Authority, which now holds a substantial minority stake.

Audi’s ambition is clear: the company aims to fight for the World Championship by 2030. Executives acknowledge that building a frontrunning team will take time, resilience and constant refinement, yet they see this journey as essential. Formula 1, they argue, offers the ideal stage for Audi to accelerate technological innovation, strengthen its identity and establish a bold new chapter in its history.