The automotive world witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday night as Audi officially unveiled its first-ever Formula One car during a glitzy launch event in Berlin. The German motor giant, which has taken over the former Sauber team, presented a striking silver and red livery for its debut season, with financial technology firm Revolut prominently featured as title sponsor.
A New Era for Audi in Motorsport
This launch marks Audi's long-awaited entry into the pinnacle of motorsport, with the team set to make its competitive debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March 2026. The company becomes one of two new entrants to the F1 grid this year, alongside American manufacturer Cadillac, expanding the championship to eleven teams.
Leadership and Technical Strategy
Audi has assembled an experienced leadership team to guide its Formula One ambitions. Former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley takes the helm as team principal, while ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto serves as CEO of the F1 operation. Unlike Cadillac, which will use Ferrari power units until at least 2029, Audi has committed to developing its own bespoke power unit, demonstrating its technical ambition from the outset.
The driving lineup features experienced German racer Nico Hulkenberg alongside promising Brazilian talent Gabriel Bortoleto, both of whom attended the Berlin launch wearing apparel from Adidas - the same brand that sponsors rival team Mercedes.
Corporate Vision and Championship Ambition
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner delivered a powerful statement during the launch, declaring: "Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi. Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motorsport, and we are here not just to compete, but to define the future of 'Vorsprung durch Technik.'"
He emphasised that the F1 project represents "a catalyst for our entire company, a symbol of our transformation towards a more performance-driven, efficient, and innovative culture" while setting an ambitious target of challenging for the World Championship by 2030.
Team Philosophy and Operational Structure
Team principal Jonathan Wheatley described the newly revealed car as "the physical embodiment of thousands of hours of hard work from a hugely talented group of people" and outlined the team's philosophy: "Our mission is to embed a championship DNA into every fibre of this team. A culture of resilience, precision, and relentless curiosity where we stop at nothing to find performance."
The operation will be split between two locations, with the chassis team working from Sauber's former base in Hinwil, Switzerland, while the engine programme will be developed at Audi's facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Bavaria.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Despite Audi's impressive motorsport pedigree - including thirteen victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and four World Rally Championship titles - this represents the company's first foray into Formula One. The Berlin launch therefore marks a significant expansion of Audi's racing heritage into new territory.
With the 2026 season commencing in Melbourne on 8 March, the motorsport world now eagerly awaits to see how this ambitious new team performs against established competitors, bringing fresh competition and technological innovation to the championship.
