Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is only a few months away, so they’re previewing their car with the R26 concept
Audi is previewing their entry into Formula 1 by unveiling the R26 concept. It hints at the design and livery of their upcoming race car, which will be unveiled in January.
Created to grab attention, the car embraces the same design philosophy as the Concept C. Here, it features “minimalist graphic surfaces, defined by precise geometric cuts, [that] integrate seamlessly with the racing car’s geometry.”
More: Nico Hulkenberg Will Drive For Audi’s New F1 Team in 2026
They’re joined by an eye-catching color scheme that sees a titanium nose and body give way to a carbon black rear end. The transition area is adorned with Audi red, which can also be found on the intake, rear wing, and logos.
Why F1?
Audi said Formula 1 is a “strategic flagship” for them and reflects the “technological, cultural and entrepreneurial realignment of the brand.” More importantly, the racing series has more than 820 million fans globally and around 1.6 billion viewers tuned in to watch races on TV in 2024.
The company undoubtedly hopes to turn some of those fans into buyers and they’ve spent big to make this happen. In particular, they acquired Sauber Group and brought in Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund as an investor in the project.
What’s Under The Skin
Aside from the business angle, Audi has been developing the car’s power unit since the spring of 2022. It consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine, an energy recovery system, an electric motor generator unit, and an eight-speed transmission. This enables the car to produce a combined output of around 1,006 hp (750 kW / 1,020 PS).
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said, “By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement. It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal” as “Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi.”
Despite the optimism, Döllner acknowledged they won’t be a “top team” overnight. However, they’re aiming to fight for the World Championship title by 2030.
We’ll get a better idea of their chances in the coming months as following the car’s debut in January, it will embark on test drives in Spain. Further tests are planned in Bahrain this February, while the racing debut will take place in Melbourne next March.
Google News
MSN Start
Hailing from Metro Detroit, it was practically destiny for Michael Gauthier to dive headfirst into… Read full bio

source