Audi unveils the R26, its first Formula 1 single-seater

It's here: Revolut Audi F1 Team is born! The German team launched its season at an event in Berlin, revealing its colors, both on the drivers' outfits and, most importantly, on its highly anticipated livery. car.

This car retains the design of the concept presented last November, with the addition of sponsors, notably Revolut, the team's title sponsor. The car is predominantly grey, with orange and black accents at the rear, extending to the wing, which features the iconic four rings.

"It's a huge source of pride. A lot of excitement." explains Mattia Binotto, the project manager. Without a doubt, this represented a huge amount of work for all the teams, both at Hinwil and in Neuburg. Being ready, knowing how to prepare a car, developing a car. But everything now seems to be in place, and I think it's clearly a mix of pride and excitement. There's also an awareness: we're only at the beginning of our journey. This is a starting point. We're aware that there are many challenges ahead. But, at the same time, I think we're ready. Ready to take on those challenges. Ready to grow, to build, and to keep learning.

The ambitions of the brand with the rings are very clear: to learn in 2026 in order to compete for the title in 2030. The first objective is to fight for the championship in 2030. We will have milestones from 2026 onwards. We have discussed at length what the objective for 2026 should be. continues Mattia Binotto. “Should we look at our position in the constructors’ championship? The number of points scored at the end of the season? But I think that, for a first year, would be the wrong approach. For us, the main thing is to become competitive. We have to stay humble. There’s a huge amount to learn. And for us, that will come down to attitude above all else. Being present, learning, learning continuously. That’s really what we have to do. Becoming competitive means that average is no longer an option. We know exactly where we need to go. The job is to learn, to work hard, to progress, and to become more and more serious in the eyes of our competitors.”

For Audi, the first year will be one of discovery: by acquiring Sauber, the German manufacturer isn't starting from scratch, but it has had to modernize the Hinwil (Switzerland) factory, where the single-seater was assembled. The engine was designed at Audi in Neuburg an der Donau (Germany) before being sent to Switzerland to be fitted to the R26. This car will be driven by Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenbergwill take to the track for the first time during the Barcelona tests from January 26 to 30.

ALSO READ > Haas unveils VF-26 of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman