Audi was spotted during an exclusive testing of the R26 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit before the official F1 team launch on January 20th. The R26 recently had its first fire-up at the team’s Hinwil facility on December 19, 2025. Ready to embark on the 2026 F1 season amid the new regulations, the Audi Power Unit looked strong in initial tests.
With Jonathan Wheatley as their Team Principal, and Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as their driver line-up, Audi embraced the challenges of the Sauber rebrand. Bringing in brands like Adidas as apparel partners and Revolut as their official title partner, the team is set for their 2026 launch. Nevertheless, pressure is on for Audi ahead of their official on-track debut in the private pre-season test (January 26-30).
First fire-up
Before Barcelona, Audi F1 team reached the milestone they had been working hard towards — the inaugural 2026 fire-up of their newly developed Audi Power Unit in the R26 chassis. In light of this event at their Switzerland facility, Gernot Döllner gave an encouraging statement.
Moreover, the CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport AG highlighted the beginning of a new chapter as the motorsport group gets ready to step into F1 racing:
“For Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand’s ongoing renewal. This milestone is a clear demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition. It is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organization.
“This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm. With the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history.”
The first fire-up is a turning point moment for every aspiring F1 team. This marks the transition from ideas and design to actual results. Yet, it also becomes a moment of appreciation for all the hard work that went into the trials and errors of building a Formula 1 car.
Focusing on Melbourne
With the fire-up complete and the potential of the Barcelona R26 test into perspective, Audi will shift its focus towards the Australian 2026 F1 debut race. Mattia Binotto, former Ferrari TP and current head of the Audi F1 project, was pleased with the team’s efforts:
“A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve.”
Additionally, Jonathan Wheatley shed some light from his role as Audi TP. Tasked to oversee and manage the team, he emphasised the preparations needed for Melbourne. Satisfied with the fire-up, the Briton praised the teamwork that went into making this transition possible.
“This successful fire-up is a critical milestone that validates the quality of the work and collaboration across all departments. It energizes the entire team and provides a clear focus as we prepare for the next phases of development, including the moment we first bring the car to track. This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we will build on this foundation as one united team.”
