Audi have unveiled the colour scheme that will adorn their first Formula 1 car, which will debut in 2026, as part of a glittering launch event in Munich.<\/p>\n
The German automotive brand, who have enjoyed success in various motorsport categories, are entering F1 next year with their own chassis and power unit built to sweeping new rules, after taking over the Sauber<\/a> entry.<\/p>\n Since making the commitment back in 2022<\/a> to join F1 in 2026, Audi<\/a> have been building up their power unit base in Neuberg, Germany, and enhancing Sauber’s HQ in Hinwil, Switzerland, where the chassis and race team will operate from \u2013 while also opening a UK Technology Centre<\/a> in Bicester to make the most of the expertise in the UK’s Motorsport Valley.\u202f<\/p>\n Gabriel Bortoleto<\/a>, who made his debut with Sauber this year, and veteran racer Nico Hulkenberg<\/a>, who scored his first F1 podium<\/a> at Silverstone in the summer, will continue into the Audi era as the squad’s driver line-up.\u202f<\/p>\n The duo were on hand with Audi CEO Gernot Dollner, Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto<\/a> and Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley<\/a> to reveal the brand’s vision for their entry into Formula 1 at a bespoke event at the Audi Brand Experience Centre in Munich on Wednesday evening.<\/p>\n They revealed a concept livery that they said “provides a very distinct preview of the colour scheme and design of the brand\u2019s first Formula 1 race car, which will be unveiled in January 2026”.\u202f<\/p>\n The colour palette features titanium, carbon black and Audi red, while the livery incorporates the company’s iconic four rings. Their goal is to have “the most striking car on the race track” when they line up on the grid in 2026.\u202f<\/p>\n While they know it will take time to rise to the top of the pile and fight with the established teams, their ultimate goal is clear \u2013 they want to win.\u202f<\/p>\n “Motorsport is part of the Audi DNA and has always been the driving force behind technological progress and innovation,” said Dollner. “By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement.\u202f<\/p>\n “It is the next chapter in the company\u2019s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi.\u202f<\/p>\n “We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don\u2019t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight.\u202f<\/p>\n “It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.\u201d<\/p>\n Binotto leads the project and will utilise his near-three decades of experience in Formula 1 with Ferrari<\/a> to drive the project forward as he echoed Dollner’s ambitions to fight for the title in five years’ time.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Audi F1 Project is the most exciting project in motorsports, if not in sports overall,” said Binotto. “The goal is clear: to fight for championships by 2030.\u202f<\/p>\n “That journey takes time, the right people, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a journey of progress.\u202f<\/p>\n “Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation. That\u2019s why we follow a three-phased approach: starting as a challenger with the ambition to grow, evolving into a competitor by daring the status quo and achieving first successes, and ultimately becoming a champion.”<\/p>\n Wheatley, who joined the squad earlier this year after an extensive 18-year stint with Red Bull<\/a> as their Sporting Director, said: “This journey is not just about the destination but about engaging with the people who make every step possible. It is about your mindset, focus, resilience and confidence without complacency.<\/p>\n “Championship-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.<\/p>\n “Our drivers, Nico and Gabi, embody that spirit. They bring passion and hunger and treat every lap as a chance to learn and move forward.”<\/p>\n Brazilian Bortoleto and German Hulkenberg signed multi-year deals when they joined Sauber, ensuring they were part of the squad into the Audi era.\u202f<\/p>\n