Audi kick off their Formula 1 era with team presentation in Berlin

Audi Revolut F1 Team formally launched its Formula 1 project with a full global debut in Berlin, marking a decisive public step in the manufacturer’s entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The event at Kraftwerk Berlin unveiled the team’s first official race livery and presented the leadership, drivers, partners and visual identity that will define Audi’s initial seasons on the grid.

The choice of Berlin was positioned as a statement of intent. The historic power station was transformed into an immersive stage using light and sound, with the city’s reputation as a centre of culture, progress and technology aligning with Audi’s broader positioning. In a fan focused extension of the launch, the Kraftwerk experience will open to ticket winning supporters on 21 January.

AUDI AG CEO and Audi Motorsport AG Chairman Gernot Döllner framed the moment as a turning point for the brand.

He said: “Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi. Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motorsport, and we are here not just to compete, but to define the future of Vorsprung durch Technik.

"This project is a catalyst for our entire company, a symbol of our transformation towards a more performance driven, efficient, and innovative culture. Our philosophy is one of absolute, long term commitment.

"We understand that success in Formula 1 demands relentless perseverance and Audi Revolut F1 Team is not here to make up the numbers; we aim to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030," Döllner concluded.

Central to the launch was the reveal of the definitive R26 livery for the team’s inaugural season.

The design applies Audi’s latest visual philosophy, combining a Titanium finish with exposed carbon fibre and Lava Red accents, alongside the Audi rings reserved exclusively for the Formula 1 programme.

The identity extends beyond the car to paddock apparel, the motorhome and the pit garage, all built around clean structural lines and technical surfaces.

Title partner Revolut was integrated into the launch, reflecting a shared emphasis on innovation and audience engagement.

Guests were invited to design their own Revolut cards, with further fan activations planned from Melbourne onwards.

The team also unveiled its race and teamwear collection developed with adidas, extending the same design language from chassis to crew.

The apparel range launches globally on 19 February 2026 alongside the debut of the team’s e commerce platform, featuring Revolut Pay checkout.

It will also be available through adidas’ official online store and selected retailers, supported by limited edition seasonal releases.

Team leadership used the launch to underline the integrated nature of Audi’s works entry.

Head of the Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto said: “The strategic decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is our single greatest asset.

"We have spent the last few years meticulously building not just a power unit in Neuburg but laying the foundations for a technical organisation that binds our chassis development in Hinwil and Bicester.

"This seamless integration gives us total control over our destiny, eliminating compromises and enabling a level of agility and innovation that is essential for success. This is what makes Audi Revolut F1 Team one vision, controlling every variable from the engine block to the front wing.

"This is the foundation upon which championships are built, the former Ferrari boss concluded.

Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley emphasised the cultural challenge ahead, he said: “This car is the physical embodiment of thousands of hours of hard work from a hugely talented group of people across our facilities.

"Today, we start this journey with immense pride, but also with humility. This is just day one of a long campaign. Our mission is to embed a championship DNA into every fibre of this team.

"A culture of resilience, precision, and relentless curiosity where we stop at nothing to find performance.

"We will turn our long term ambition into on track reality, day by day, decision by decision," Wheatley concluded.

Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto echoed that message.

Hulkenberg said: “Having been in the Formula 1 paddock for many years, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability.

"What I feel here today is a profound seriousness and an incredible energy that sets this team apart. We are a true works team with a clear, long term vision backed by immense resources and world class expertise.”

Bortoleto added: “To race for the Four Rings is a dream come true. I feel the weight of the responsibility, but more than that, an incredible motivation to learn, to push, and to grow with this team.”

Audi Revolut F1 Team now turns its focus to Melbourne and the start of its competitive journey, with a clearly stated objective that stretches beyond debut season impact toward a World Championship challenge by the end of the decade.