Audi provided flights from Washington, DC, to Munich and accommodation so Ars could visit its motorsports facility and see its F1 car. Ars does not accept paid editorial content.
MUNICH, Germany—Audi’s long-awaited Formula 1 team gave the world its first look at what the Audi R26 will look like when it takes to the track next year. Well, sort of—the car you see here is a generic show car for the 2026 aero regulations, but the livery you see, plus the sponsors’ logos, will race next year.
“By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement. It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster, and more innovative Audi,” said Gernot Döllner, Audi’s CEO. “We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance, and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title,” Döllner said.

After the complicated liveries of cars like the R18 or Audi’s Formula E program, the R26 is refreshingly simple. Credit: Jonathan Gitlin

None of the sponsors have been announced yet, so the car is bare for now. Credit: Jonathan Gitlin

The view Audi hopes its rivals get next year. Credit: Jonathan Gitlin
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