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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAudi has offered a glimpse of its first-ever F1 car. Image: Audi<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAudi has offered a glimpse of its first-ever F1 car. Image: Audi<\/p>\n
The reveal took place at the Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich, where CEO Gernot Dollner declared the R26 \u201ca clear, ambitious statement\u201d as the brand prepares to enter the sport for the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cEntering Formula 1 is the next chapter in the company\u2019s renewal,\u201d Dollner said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFormula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi.\u201d<\/p>\n
The R26 Concept previews the colour scheme and \u201cdesign language\u201d of Audi\u2019s first F1 challenger, which will be officially unveiled in January.<\/p>\n
Finished in titanium, carbon black and Audi red, the minimalist livery also introduces red rings, a striking twist on one of motorsport\u2019s most recognisable logos.<\/p>\n
The livery also nods to Audi\u2019s motorsport heritage, drawing inspiration from the Auto Union Type C, a legendary pre-war racing car from the company that would become modern Audi.<\/p>\n
The R26 name is a nod to Audi\u2019s debut year, but also coincidentally shares its moniker with Renault\u2019s 2006 car, the machine that carried Fernando Alonso to his second world title.<\/p>\n
Audi\u2019s Formula 1 entry sees the manufacturer take full control of the former Sauber team, with operations spread across Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.<\/p>\n
Power units are being developed in Neuburg with BP and designed to run on sustainable fuels, and have already completed a full race simulation on the test bench.<\/p>\n
The race team will continue to operate from Hinwil, while a new technology office in Bicester provides access to Britain\u2019s renowned \u201cMotorsport Valley\u201d talent pool, supporting development and integration across the program.<\/p>\n
Former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto will lead the project alongside team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who joined earlier this year after nearly two decades with Red Bull. Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will remain at the helm for the team\u2019s first season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win,\u201d Dollner said. \u201cAt the same time, we know that you don\u2019t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy 2030, we want to fight for the world championship title.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The livery design on the R26 concept car. Image: Audi<\/p>\n
Binotto said the goal was clear but realistic.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Audi F1 Project is the most exciting project in motorsports, if not in sports overall,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal is clear: to fight for championships by 2030.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat journey takes time, the right people, and a mindset of continuous improvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cFormula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a journey of progress.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wheatley described the transformation inside the team as \u201cremarkable\u201d since Audi\u2019s takeover.<\/p>\n
\u201cChampionship-winning teams are not built on magic \u2013 they are built on people who believe in each other, in the process, and in the destination,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The R26 Concept also represents Audi\u2019s new design philosophy, which Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella said was \u201cclear, technical, intelligent and emotional.\u201d<\/p>\n
Audi will unveil its first full F1 car in January, with pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain ahead of its debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
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