The Audi Revolut F1 Team made history on January 20, 2026, in Berlin, unveiling its first-ever Formula 1 livery.
Audi first teased its design in November, showcasing a concept livery dominated by silver, black, and the brand’s signature red. Now, the Berlin launch has completed the transformation of the former Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber into the Audi Revolut F1 Team, firmly establishing Audi’s presence on the grid ahead of the 2026 season.
Audi’s journey to F1
Audi has enjoyed success across a range of motorsport disciplines, including rallying, Le Mans, DTM, Formula E, and the Dakar Rally. In 2022, the German powerhouse announced its intention to join Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport. Since then. Audi has partnered with Sauber and slowly worked toward a complete transition in time for the 2026 season and its regulation changes.
The 2026 major regulation reset has forced all teams to start from scratch, designing smaller, lighter, and more sustainable cars. While pre-season testing in Barcelona from January 26-30, shortly after Audi’s livery launch, and two further sessions in Bahrain throughout February will offer valuable preparation and insight, Audi’s true potential will be seen at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in March.
Leadership and driver line-up
The team will make its debut with a group of experienced individuals who previously worked with the Sauber F1 team. Leading the team is Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 project, who previously worked as Ferrari’s team principal before joining Sauver as chief operating officer and chief technical officer. Alongside Binotto, Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber’s team principal, will continue in his role with the rebranded team.
The driver lineup remains the same as Sauber’s 2025 pairing, with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Hülkenberg, who made his F1 debut in 2010, brings key experience, data, and feedback, which will help Audi adapt to F1 and the new 2026 regulations. Throughout the 2025 campaign, the German claimed an emotional maiden F1 podium after 239 race starts, and finished the season with 51 points, marking his strongest result in recent years.
Bortoleto completed his rookie F1 season in 2025 with a challenging start and an improved final stint. The first half of the season featured no points and two retirements. However, in Austria, he scored his first points with an eighth-place result and improved throughout the second half of the season, achieving a best result of P6 in Hungary. The Brazilian driver is expected to continue developing his pace and consistency as he enters his second F1 season with a new team.
Together, the leadership and driver lineup provide the team with stability and insight as it prepares to tackle the challenges of the 2026 regulation changes and its debut season.
Audi 2026 F1 livery
