Audi presented the color scheme of the new car in Munich on Wednesday, which will be officially presented in January. The German manufacturer fully took over the Swiss Sauber Group at the beginning of this year and part of the team’s shares are owned by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
The car is still made in Hinwil, Switzerland, but the brand new Audi engine was developed in Neuburg, Germany. In 2026, the Formula 1 regulations will be completely overhauled. Not only Audi is making its debut as an engine manufacturer, this also applies to Red Bull.
“We don’t enter Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that in Formula 1 you don’t become a top team overnight. It takes time, perseverance and courage to take on the fight against the established order. By 2030 we want to compete for the world title,” said Audi CEO Döllner.
This is what Audi’s first Formula 1 car will look like. © Audi F1
Mattia Binotto and team boss Jonathan Wheatley are at the helm of the Formula 1 team and Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto remain the drivers.
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“This is the most exciting project in motorsport for us,” says Binotto. “The goal is clear: to compete for championships by 2030. That journey requires time, the right people and a mentality of continuous improvement. We have defined our route to the top and are now laying the foundation for it. Next year, Audi’s first F1 car will take to the track. That moment will be the start of something special.”