Audi
Audi has unveiled its new livery ahead of the team’s much-anticipated 2026 F1 debut, more than eight decades since it last competed in grand prix racing.
The silver, bare carbon and ‘Audi red’ colour scheme on a “concept” 2026 car was revealed at a grand launch event held at its motor sport base in Neuberg, Germany.
Drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto were accompanied by Audi’s ‘Head of F1 Project’ Mattia Binotto and team principal Jonathan Wheatley, as the team outlined more details about its entry and expectations.
The race-spec Audi F1 car, to be called R26, will be revealed in January, when the first pre-season test of the year will also take place, but Audi anticipates needing a further five years until it can challenge for championships.
Its car’s titanium nose represents a nod to the company’s motor sport past as part of Auto Union, whose Silver Arrows were pre-eminent in 1930s grand prix racing. The sidepods feature what was described as a newly-introduced shade of red.
Audi says its F1 project is still a work in progress
Audi
How quickly can Audi make it to the front of the F1 field?
Audi
Audi
Along with the black engine cover, these trio of colours are aimed to make Audi’s R26 the “most striking car on the race track”. They also represent a new brand identity for Audi, and will be used across the company.
The marque’s route into F1 has come via the purchase of Sauber. The Swiss team, which has been on the grid for over 30 years, is currently having its best season in over a decade before its rebranding for 2026.
Audi’s entry will represent a huge challenge, as it is building its own power unit to new, highly complex rules, in addition to producing its own chassis to all-new regulations.
As part of Auto Union, Audi was one of the dominant forces in pre-war grand prix competition, competing for victories with Mercedes, the other Silver Arrows team. From WWII to now, it has stayed away from grand prix racing, despite a litany of success in other areas of motor sport including Le Mans, Dakar and rallying.
 
2024 was one of the worst seasons in Sauber’s history, with just a single points finish courtesy of Zhou Guanyu at Qatar.
Sauber will become the Audi F1 team in 2026, racing in a newly-revealed livery. But it will take another five years to become championship contenders, say the team’s experienced leaders
This year couldn’t have been more different. With new recruits in the form of veteran Nico Hülkenberg and rising star Gabriel Bortoleto, the pair have been regular points scorers, culminating in the former claiming his first ever podium at the this year’s British GP.
Hülkenberg has five other grand prix points finishes to his name. Though it took Bortoleto almost half the season to finish in the top 10, he has since regularly added to his team’s tally.
Though currently ninth in the constructors’ battle, Sauber is still within touching distance of Racing Bulls in sixth place with three grands prix and a sprint to go.
As well as an improved car, much of the results have come through vastly improved pitstops and race strategy, no doubt helped by new team boss Jonathan Wheatley, who joined in April from his previous role of sporting director at Red Bull.
2026 is a huge challenge for all F1’s teams
Audi
“This journey is not just about the destination but about engaging with the people who make every step possible,” Wheatley has said.
“It is about your mindset, focus, resilience and confidence without complacency. We will face setbacks, but each one will be a learning experience that will lead to new strength.”
 
Binotto took over at Sauber last year
Sauber
Mattia Binotto became Sauber’s new Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer in August 2024, replacing Andreas Seidl, who had headed the project since 2022.
The former Ferrari chief, has emphasised how much work Audi still has to do in getting up to speed with the 2026 regulations, which could well shake up the running order.
“That journey takes time, the right people, and a mindset of continuous improvement,” he said. “Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments.
“Becoming a champion is a journey of progress. Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation.”
 
Wheatley now brings his vast experience to Audi
Sauber
Jonathan Wheatley began his F1 journey as a mechanic at Benetton, eventually rising to become Red Bull‘s sporting director.
The Brit was part of the migration of senior staff the away from Red Bull in early 2024 following the Christian Horner‘s workplace misconduct allegations (since dismissed).
Wheatley was announced as Sauber’s new team principal last year and officially joined in April 2025, leading the outfit in its transformation into Audi.
“Our project is more than building a team,” said Wheatley at Audi’s livery reveal. It is about shaping the future of F1 – with talent, visionary partners and the transformation of the Audi brand. We have a mindset that dares to redefine what a racing team can be.”
Sauber will become the Audi F1 team in 2026, racing in a newly-revealed livery. But it will take another five years to become championship contenders, say the team’s experienced leaders
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