Key takeaways from Audi's first test drive in Barcelona

At a time when numerous promises have been made regarding the shape of the 2026 season of F1Expectations are high during this period of relative calm. In particular, January 9, 2026, was a day of intense scrutiny for enthusiasts and observers. With a test session at the Barcelona circuit, Audi F1, for the very first time, ran its R26 on the track. While not all the observed elements will be directly applicable to the setup for the Australian Grand Prix in March, some initial figures and key points stand out from this first day of testing.

First of all, it should be noted that the two drivers from the Audi team, Nico Hulkenberg, and Gabriel Bortoleto, took to the track in the famous R26. For this historic day in Audi's journey to F1, Mattia Binotto, technical director, and Jonathan Wheatley, team principal himself, were also present.

As for the track time, the two Audi drivers shared 200 km of laps – the limit imposed by F1 for a filming day like this. Furthermore, although Audi has released a limited number of official images from the day, some photos and videos taken by fans present at the event provide a clearer picture.

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The beginnings of F1 in 2026

Among the information enthusiasts were eager to gather from this track day, the engine sound was particularly anticipated. In this instance, several videos recorded at the Barcelona circuit provide a clearer idea of ​​the sound that will be heard on Formula 1 tracks starting in March. Naturally, it's not radically different from the sound of the previous technical regulations. Since the engines remain 1.6L V6 blocks, only the electric motor's sound is slightly different under acceleration.

This is what the Audi engine sounds like on the main straight, where a greater difference compared to the 2025 engines is already noticeable

Full video in the first reply pic.twitter.com/qy1yJwLn8V

— Holiness (@F1BigData) January 9, 2026

Furthermore, in a photo notably shared by Nico Hülkenberg – in addition to various other images seen on social media – one can indeed observe a car slightly smaller in terms of dimensions. While the overall measurements of the single-seater remain comparable to the latest regulations, the wheelbase of the car is significantly shorter than that of the 2025 F1 cars, in particular.

The first chance for us to see and hear a 2026 F1 car on track as Audi completes a shakedown in Barcelona 👀🔊

(via @robertofunoat) pic.twitter.com/shBeUZS8Ed

- Autosport (@autosport) January 9, 2026

As a reminder, the overall weight of the car must be reduced by 30 kg compared to the previous version, while the dimensions are also changing. 20 cm shorter, 10 cm narrower, these will be the requirements imposed on the teams, in addition to a modified front wing design, comparable in some respects to that of the 2005 F1 cars, to name just one example.

best images we have so far pic.twitter.com/W7YRFtXaE5

— Qvist Designs (@Qvist_Designs) January 9, 2026

In the coming days, more information could emerge. In the meantime, Audi has officially launched its Formula 1 adventure, eagerly awaiting the official tests scheduled for January 26-30 at the Barcelona circuit.