The Audi R26 Concept provides a preview of the color scheme and design of the brand’s first Formula 1 race car, which will be fully unveiled in January. This visual identity is based on the recently introduced design philosophy and its four design principles: clear, technical, intelligent and emotional.

“We are implementing a unifying design language that draws together every aspect of our organization,” says Audi Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella. “This makes the Formula 1 project a pioneer for the new brand identity, which will be rolled out in the future both for the F1 team and Audi as a whole.”

The R26 Concept is one of the first expressions of the brand’s new visual identity. Minimalist graphic surfaces, defined by precise geometric cuts, integrate seamlessly with the racing car’s geometry. The color palette features titanium, carbon black and the newly introduced Audi red. As part of this identity, Audi will also sport red rings, used selectively to underscore its Formula 1 presence.

To enter Formula 1, Audi acquired the Sauber Group in Switzerland in its entirety at the beginning of this year. At the helm of the Audi F1 Project are former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley (formerly Red Bull), who report directly to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. The team’s drivers in 2026 will be Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.

The team develops and builds the race cars at the F1 Factory in Hinwil. The Swiss location is also responsible for planning and executing race operations. In addition, a technology office has been in operation in Bicester in the UK since summer 2025. The presence in the so-called ‘Motorsport Valley’ gives the team access to additional F1 expertise. There is intensive technical cooperation between the locations to fully exploit the advantages and opportunities of a factory team through the seamless integration of power unit and chassis.

The Audi F1 team will make its full public debut at the official team launch in January 2026. The first official test drives with the new-generation Formula 1 cars will take place at the end of January at Barcelona, Spain. During further tests in Bahrain in February, the Audi factory team will test in Formula 1 in front of the public for the first time, before the brand’s eagerly awaited debut in the pinnacle of motorsport takes place March 6-8 in Melbourne, Australia.