In a landmark moment for the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Audi F1 team has become the first constructor to run its new-generation car on track. The German manufacturer completed a filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday, 9 January 2026, offering the world a first glimpse of its contender in motion.
Audi's Historic First Run
The historic laps were completed as part of one of the two 100km filming days permitted under F1's sporting regulations. Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto were entrusted with piloting the new machine around the Spanish circuit. Audi, which has taken over the now-defunct Sauber operation, will enter the championship with its own bespoke power unit, marking a significant commitment to the sport's new era of technical rules.
Social media was quickly abuzz with videos of the camouflaged Audi car circulating the track. The team's official livery and full car reveal is scheduled for Tuesday 20 January in Berlin. The operation will be split between Sauber's former base in Hinwil, Switzerland, and Audi's engine facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany.
A New Era for Formula 1
The 2026 season represents a major shift for the pinnacle of motorsport, with Audi and Cadillac joining as the grid expands to 11 teams. Audi will be led by former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, with ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto serving as CEO. While Audi boasts an illustrious history with 13 Le Mans 24 Hours wins and four World Rally Championships, this marks its maiden foray into Formula 1.
The American Cadillac team, owned by General Motors, will use Ferrari engines until at least 2029. Meanwhile, Ford is also entering the sport in partnership with Red Bull, creating Red Bull-Ford Powertrains for the first time.
The Road to Melbourne
Pre-season preparations are now in full swing. Barcelona will host the first of three tests, a private session for all teams from 26-30 January. This will be followed by two official three-day tests in Bahrain during February. Red Bull and its sister team, Racing Bulls, are set to unveil their 2026 liveries first at a launch event at Ford's headquarters in Detroit next Thursday.
The competitive action for the 2026 F1 world championship will then commence with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March, where Audi's grand prix racing journey officially begins.
