Gernot Döllner: Formula 1 entry is a historic moment for Audi

Nearly 400 guests attended the presentation at the Kraftwerk venue in the centre of the German capital, witnessing the first public appearance of Audi’s factory Formula 1 team. The launch represented the culmination of years of preparation as the four rings officially committed to the pinnacle of motorsport.

Audi’s Chief Executive Officer, Gernot Döllner, framed the moment as a turning point for the project and the brand: “Today, a lot of pieces of the puzzle are coming together. It’s impressive to see how the intensive preparation is paying off and the performance of those involved is becoming evident. For the first time, the full power of the project is on display. We are ready and excited to inspire people around the world by taking part in Formula 1.”

Audi’s entry will begin competitively in Australia on March 8, with the Audi R26 powered by the AFR 26 Hybrid power unit developed at Neuburg an der Donau. The drivetrain was fired up in the chassis shortly before Christmas at the Hinwil site, marking the first physical integration of Audi’s Formula 1 power unit with the car.

On January 9, the team completed its first on-track running at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya during a filming day, becoming the first outfit to roll out a 2026 generation Formula 1 car. The early running represented a significant step in validating systems ahead of a packed testing programme.

Formula 1 enters its 77th season in 2026 with the most extensive technical overhaul in its history. The new regulations introduce active aerodynamics with adjustable front and rear wings, while the Drag Reduction System is replaced by a boost mode delivering additional electric power at the push of a button. The electric motor will deliver up to 350 kW, nearly matching the approximately 400 kW output of the 1.6 litre V6 turbo engine running on sustainable fuel, with Audi working exclusively with bp on fuel development.

Alongside the race livery, Audi presented its full team identity in Berlin, including team clothing and driver overalls. Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley and Head of the Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto were joined by drivers Gabriele Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg, who will represent Audi in its debut season.

The visual identity has been developed as a standalone corporate design for Audi Revolut F1 Team, incorporating specific colours and a bespoke font family. Titanium references Audi’s motorsport heritage and technical precision, while Audi Red has been introduced as a new signature element. The fan collection will be available via the team’s website and adidas from February 19.

The staging at the former Mitte heating plant offered a preview of the team’s visual direction, featuring an immersive show, historic Audi race cars and the Audi RS e-tron GT performance, which delivers a system output of 680 kW.

Audi’s Formula 1 programme has been positioned as a strategic cornerstone of the brand’s wider realignment, reflecting its technological, cultural and entrepreneurial direction. Development and racing will operate within the Formula 1 cost cap, providing defined financial parameters while benefiting from the championship’s global reach and commercial platform.

With the increased role of electrification and sustainable fuels embedded in the 2026 regulations, Audi views the timing of its entry as optimal. Motorsport has long been central to Audi’s identity, from pioneering mid-engine Grand Prix cars and quattro All Wheel Drive to success with diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains across Le Mans, Formula E and the Dakar Rally.

The next milestone arrives later this month with a closed-door shakedown of the new generation Formula 1 cars in Barcelona from January 26 to 30, followed by official pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 11 to 13 and February 18 to 20, before Audi takes its first competitive start in a Formula 1 Grand Prix.