Audi, a German manufacturer, will debut in F1 in 2026. The team presented its concept car this Wednesday (12) and Sporting News brings more details about the team in the category.
MORE: Formula 1: prices, dates and sectors for the São Paulo GP 2026
Audi in F1: when it debuts and drivers
Audi will make its official Formula 1 debut in 2026taking full control of the team Sauberwhich currently competes with the name Kick Clean. The German automaker has already started the transition and confirmed its driver duo for the new phase: Nico Hulkenberg e Gabriel Bortoleto.
The German brings the necessary experience to lead the development of the project, while the young Brazilian, who was a Formula 3 champion and a standout in Formula 2, represents the bet on the future and marked Brazil’s return to the F1 grid after eight years without a starter.
This season, Hülkenberg and Bortoleto are competing for Sauber, participating in the transition season that serves as preparation for Audi’s definitive entry the following year. The team is based in Hinwil, Switzerland, and is already working on the development of the new car and its own engine, which will be produced in Neuburg, Germany, within the new power unit rules that will come into force in 2026.
Audi car in F1
Audi will have ‘softer’ colors than Sauber’s flashy green. The car will be in silver, black and red, matching Audi’s achievements in other world championships, such as WEC and WRC.
– Being part of Audi is like a dream come true for me. My biggest idol is Ayrton Senna. And it was Ayrton Senna who brought Audi to Brazil. When the Audi F1 project started I had the chance to participate in it, and it was like a gift for me. I’m living my dream of racing in F1 and with Audi, the team we’re building from scratch. Let’s live every moment together, the ups and downs, until we become a winning team – said Bortoleto.
