Audi Officially Names Its Formula 1 Team: A New Era Begins for Audi in F1

Just days ago, Audi officially unveiled the name of its Formula 1 factory team:
Audi Revolut F1 Team.

This announcement is more than a naming update — it is a clear signal that Audi is now fully committed to Formula 1, entering the sport not as a marketing experiment, but as a long-term factory competitor ahead of the 2026 F1 season.

Audi’s Official Entry into Formula 1: The Basics

Audi will officially enter Formula 1 as a works (factory) team in the 2026 season, coinciding with the introduction of F1’s next-generation technical regulations.

Rather than creating a team from scratch, Audi has chosen a strategic route by acquiring a majority stake in Sauber Motorsport, one of Formula 1’s most experienced independent teams. This move provides Audi with immediate access to existing infrastructure, personnel, and operational know-how, while allowing the brand to implement its own long-term vision.

Key points of Audi’s F1 entry include:

• Official debut: 2026 Formula 1 World Championship

• Team structure: Full Audi factory team (works entry)

• Base operations: Switzerland (Hinwil) with an expanded UK technical presence

• Power unit: Audi-developed hybrid power unit built specifically for the 2026 regulations

Audi’s decision to enter Formula 1 at this moment reflects a deliberate alignment with the sport’s future direction, where electrification, efficiency, and sustainability play a central role.

From Concept to Reality: The Audi R26 Prepares for Its First Public Appearance

On January 20, 2026, Audi will host an immersive global launch event in Berlin, Germany, where the team will unveil its complete Formula 1 brand identity.

At this stage, fans should expect a carefully curated model car / show car presentation, which is standard practice for modern Formula 1 launches.

The launch will feature:

• A full-scale F1 show car or model car representing the Audi R26 concept

• A static display vehicle designed for stage presentation and media coverage

• The official 2026 race livery, revealed globally for the first time

This model-focused launch allows Audi to present its visual identity and brand direction without revealing sensitive technical details ahead of the season. The real Audi F1 race car, built to full 2026 regulations, will make its true competitive debut during the 2026 Formula 1 season, once development and testing are complete.

What Audi’s Entry Means for Formula 1

Audi’s arrival in Formula 1 carries significance far beyond a new team name on the grid. Its impact can be understood through three key points:

• Formula 1 as the ultimate engineering battleground
  Audi is not entering F1 for short-term visibility or branding alone. By committing as a full factory team, Audi is investing in power unit development, infrastructure, and long-term technical capability. This reinforces Formula 1’s role as the highest level of engineering competition for global automotive manufacturers.

• Validation of the 2026 technical regulations
  Audi’s timing is highly strategic. The 2026 rules place strong emphasis on electrification, energy efficiency, and sustainable fuels — areas that closely align with Audi’s modern road-car and performance philosophy. Audi’s entry sends a clear message that Formula 1’s future-focused regulations are relevant and attractive to leading manufacturers.

• A stronger and more stable competitive ecosystem
  With Audi joining established factory-backed teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull, Formula 1 moves closer to a new golden era of manufacturer involvement. This raises technical standards, deepens competition, and enhances the long-term commercial and sporting stability of the championship.

Audi joining Formula 1 is a vote of confidence in F1’s future.

Why Audi Is All-In on Formula 1

Audi’s commitment is strategic, not symbolic.

By entering F1 at the start of a clean-sheet regulation cycle, Audi avoids legacy disadvantages and builds its program from the ground up — its own power unit, its own structure, and its own long-term vision.

Formula 1 becomes more than a racing platform:

• It is a technology laboratory

• A brand statement

• And a global performance showcase

Audi is not testing Formula 1 — Audi is building part of its future inside it.

From Sauber to Audi Motorsport: A Factory Team Transformation

Audi’s Formula 1 project is built on the foundation of Sauber Motorsport, but the transformation is now official.

• Sauber Motorsport will be renamed Audi Motorsport

• The UK-based technical center will adopt the Audi Motorsport identity

• The Sauber name will remain at the holding and technology level, preserving its legacy

Driver Line-up: Experience Meets the Future

Audi’s Formula 1 driver line-up reflects a clear experience-plus-potential strategy for its 2026 debut.

Nico Hülkenberg

A highly experienced Formula 1 driver, Nico Hülkenberg provides stability, consistency, and strong technical feedback. His development skills make him a key reference driver for Audi as it enters a new regulation era.

Gabriel Bortoleto

Gabriel Bortoleto represents Audi’s long-term vision. As a rising young talent, he brings adaptability, speed, and future growth potential — underlining Audi’s commitment to building success beyond its first season.

Together, this pairing supports Audi’s goals of rapid technical development, smooth adaptation to the 2026 regulations, and long-term competitiveness.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The countdown has officially begun.

• Team Name: Audi Revolut F1 Team

• Brand Launch: January 20, 2026

• Location: Berlin, Germany

• Launch Format: Show car / display model + official livery

• Real Race Debut: 2026 Formula 1 season

As Formula 1 enters a new technical era, Audi’s arrival raises expectations for what a modern manufacturer can achieve at the highest level of motorsport.

Audi isn’t coming to Formula 1 just to make up the numbers. Audi is coming to race, to learn, and to leave its mark on the sport.