Audi have confirmed that they have successfully fired up their 2026 F1 car for the first time, marking a milestone moment as the manufacturer prepares for their debut following their takeover of the former Kick Sauber outfit.<\/p>\n
The fire-up \u2013 which took place at the team\u2019s Hinwil facility on December 19, 2025 \u2013 was the first time that the Audi<\/a> power unit has been run while installed in the chassis.<\/p>\n Audi have heralded the moment as being the product of a collaboration between their powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany, alongside the chassis team in Hinwil, Switzerland, and the new Technical Centre in Bicester, UK.<\/p>\n The milestone also signals the latest step in the outfit\u2019s preparations for 2026, a season in which a wave of new technical regulations<\/a> will come into effect.<\/p>\n Gernot Dollner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport AG, commented: \u201cFor Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand\u2019s ongoing renewal. This milestone is a clear demonstration of our \u2018Vorsprung durch Technik\u2019 ambition.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organisation. This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi\u2019s motorsport history.\u201d<\/p>\n Mattia Binotto<\/a>, Head of the Audi F1 Project, added: \u201cA fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil.<\/p>\n \u201cSeeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve.\u201d<\/p>\n