Both Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg were signed to the Hinwil-based team on multi-year contracts, both to straddle Formula 1\u2019s huge regulation changes as well as Sauber morphing into Audi ahead of the new season, with both drivers offering continuity.<\/p>\n
The team has been public in stating its ambitions, too, acknowledging it will head into 2026 as \u2018challengers\u2019 and looking to fight for points, before a gradual increase in competitiveness with an aim to fighting for World Championships by the 2030 season.<\/p>\n
In a launch in Berlin on Tuesday evening, Audi pulled the covers off the livery of the R26, which features an evolution on its R26 Concept design released in late 2025.<\/p>\n
With another milestone reached after its first filming day run in Barcelona recently, Bortoleto said the prospect of driving for a brand which has had such success elsewhere in motorsport represents both an opportunity and responsibility \u2013 one which he does not take lightly.<\/p>\n
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\u201cTo race for the Four Rings, a brand that has such an iconic and victorious history in motorsport is, quite simply, a dream come true,\u201d Bortoleto said upon the unveiling of the R26.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou grow up hearing about the dominance of Audi at Le Mans and in rallying, and to now be chosen to carry that legacy into Formula 1 is an unbelievable honour.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the opportunity of a lifetime. I feel the weight of the responsibility, but more than that, I feel an incredible motivation to learn, to push, and to grow with this team. I am ready to give my absolute all to help write this great chapter for Audi Revolut F1 Team.\u201d<\/p>\n
More on the F1 2026 car launch season<\/p>\n
F1 2026: Confirmed car launches and test days for huge regulation changes<\/a><\/p>\n F1 2026 uncovered: The game-changing potential of \u2018Active Aero\u2019 revealed<\/a><\/p>\n While he has much more experience under his belt, Hulkenberg feels the same kind of motivation as his sophomore teammate, having quickly been targeted while a Haas driver to lead the Audi project to begin with.<\/p>\n Team principal Jonathan Wheatley spoke of a desire to both grow and, eventually, become winners in Formula 1, and Hulkenberg knows he has a significant role to play in the project.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving been in the Formula 1 paddock for many years, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability,\u201d Hulkenberg said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat 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.<\/p>\n \u201cFor a driver, the proposition of being with Audi at the very start of its journey is exceptionally exciting.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have the chance to build something very special together and I am looking forward to get this car on the track in Melbourne.\u201d<\/p>\n Audi will be taking part in its first pre-season testing running along with the remainder of the field at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with the ability to run on three out of five days from 26 to 30 January.<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n