Audi has taken to social media to release the first official images of its shakedown in Barcelona, where the German manufacturer completed the first running of its 2026 F1 car. 

It became the first F1 team to run its new car this year, ahead of the first of three pre-season tests at the end of January back in Barcelona. 

Throughout the test on Friday, images and videos of Audi’s R26 were leaked on social media, with a black livery having been run. 

A series of photos of team personnel and some of the car were posted by Audi, who also wrote: “We’re officially rolling. 

“A milestone moment in Barcelona as the R26 hit a racetrack for the very first time. First day. First laps. First chance for our drivers to experience the car.

“The road ahead starts right here.”