Written by Guus Kleijs
A new name appears on the starting grid: Audi. From 2026, the German brand will make its official debut in Formula 1 as a factory team. In this article, you’ll discover what this step means, how the team is set up, and why it marks a major milestone for both motorsport and fans worldwide.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Team name | Audi F1 Team (powered by Revolut) |
| Debut season | 8 March 2026, Australian Grand Prix |
| Headquarters | Neuburg an der Donau, Germany |
| Power unit development | In-house (new hybrid power unit) |
| Title sponsor | Revolut |
| Official team launch | 20 January 2026 in Berlin |
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A new chapter in Formula 1 begins in 2026, when Audi makes its debut as a factory team in January. The renowned German car manufacturer has confirmed it will compete in the Formula 1 World Championship with its own power unit and chassis. This marks the entry of one of the most innovative brands in the automotive industry into the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition.
Audi’s Formula 1 project is being developed within a dedicated F1 division in Germany. The power units are built entirely in-house and comply with the new regulations coming into force in 2026. These regulations focus on sustainability and electrification: cars will run on fully sustainable fuel and electrical output will be significantly increased. The traditional combustion engine remains, but together with the electric drive it will deliver a combined output of more than 1,000 hp.
In short, from 2026 onwards Audi will compete in a Formula 1 era where technology, sustainability and performance go hand in hand — exactly where the brand excels. The decision to enter the sport was made after careful preparation and strategic analysis. With this move, Audi underlines its ambition to perform at the very highest level of motorsport.
In the lead-up to its debut, the official team name has also been revealed: Audi F1 Team. The team will operate with Revolut as its title sponsor — a partnership that brings together technology, speed and innovation. The combination of German engineering and digital fintech power makes the team instantly recognisable as modern and forward-thinking.
This identity aligns seamlessly with Audi’s future-focused positioning within Formula 1.
For the 2026 Formula 1 season, Audi will field an experienced and ambitious driver pairing: Nico Hülkenberg and young talent Gabriel Bortoleto. Both drivers already competed for Sauber in 2025 — the team that will be officially taken over by the Audi factory team from 2026 and appear on the grid under the Audi name. As a result, Hülkenberg and Bortoleto are already preparing for their Audi season during the 2025 campaign.
The global team introduction will take place on 20 January 2026 during a large-scale launch event in Berlin. During this event, the team, the car and the now-confirmed driver lineup will be officially presented to the public. Expectations are high, with fans worldwide looking forward to the unveiling of Audi’s first Formula 1 car.
The car is based on the R26 concept, a previously revealed design that immediately impressed with its clean lines and forward-thinking technology.
Audi’s entry represents more than just an additional car on the grid. It adds a new layer of competition, prestige and brand identity to Formula 1. From 2026 onwards, fans can look forward to battles between established names and a new challenger from Germany. With Audi’s rich motorsport heritage and technological strength, thrilling races lie ahead.
For fans who want to experience the action live, this presents a unique opportunity. Think of Grand Prix weekends where the tension is tangible: Audi’s first podium, their first victory, the first on-track battles with Mercedes or Ferrari — moments that will write history.
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