Jonas LeoThe German automotive giant’s entry into the pinnacle of motorsport has been a subject of considerable anticipation since its initial announcement in 2022. Audi’s strategic move involves a phased acquisition of the long-standing Swiss F1 outfit, Sauber. This process began with the purchase of a minority stake in 2023, culminating in a full takeover in 2024, effectively rebranding the Hinwil-based team for the 2026 season. Audi’s commitment extends beyond chassis development, as the company will also serve as a power unit supplier, developing its own hybrid engines in-house. This comprehensive approach aligns precisely with Formula 1’s significant technical regulation overhaul scheduled for 2026, which introduces new power unit architectures and an increased emphasis on sustainable fuels.
Audi aims to leverage its extensive experience in high-performance hybrid powertrains, garnered from successful campaigns in diverse motorsport categories such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Le Mans 24 Hours, Formula E, and the Dakar Rally. This rich heritage in electrified racing is expected to provide a crucial foundation as F1 transitions further into its sustainable hybrid era. The 2026 regulations are designed to be more relevant to road car technology, presenting an opportune moment for a manufacturer like Audi to enter and compete on a relatively level playing field regarding engine development.
The new team name, Audi Revolut F1 Team, signifies a pivotal title partnership with Revolut, a prominent British financial technology company. This collaboration is designed to be more than a conventional sponsorship, aiming for a deep integration that redefines fan engagement and operational efficiencies. According to a press release issued by Audi, the alliance is geared towards "challenging conventions and shaping new forms of fan engagement through activations, race access and exclusive app-based benefits for Revolut users." This suggests a concerted effort to connect with a digitally native fanbase and offer unique experiences. Furthermore, the partnership extends into the operational fabric of the team, with Revolut Business integrated into the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s financial operations and Revolut Pay set to provide a seamless checkout experience for fans purchasing merchandise from the team’s online store. This multi-faceted approach highlights a modern, technologically driven partnership, reflecting both brands’ innovative spirits.
The official launch of the Audi Revolut F1 Team’s 2026 campaign is scheduled to commence on January 20, 2026, with an "exclusive launch" event in Berlin. This initial unveiling is described as an "immersive experience," likely targeting media, key partners, and VIP guests. This will be followed by a "public opening" on January 21, allowing a broader audience to engage with the new team. During these events, Audi is expected to unveil its 2026 F1 livery, offering the first visual representation of its challenger. The team’s actual car is anticipated to hit the track just days later at the first pre-season test session in Barcelona, scheduled from January 26-30.
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Jonathan Wheatley, the newly appointed Team Principal of Audi Revolut F1 Team, underscored the significance of these announcements. "Today, our project takes on its official identity," Wheatley stated. "The Audi Revolut F1 Team name is a symbol of the combined strength of our teams in Germany, UK and Switzerland, together with our partners. It provides a banner under which we all unite as we build towards 2026. This is a crucial milestone that energises the entire project and makes our long-term ambition tangible for everyone involved." Wheatley’s remarks emphasize the collaborative nature of the project, drawing on expertise from various locations, and the long-term vision underpinning Audi’s F1 venture. His appointment as Team Principal is a significant strategic move, bringing leadership and direction to the nascent team.
The driver lineup for Audi’s maiden F1 season in 2026 will consist of veteran German driver Nico Hülkenberg and the promising Brazilian sophomore, Gabriel Bortoleto. Both drivers will have already formed the core of the Sauber team’s lineup in the 2025 season, providing continuity and experience as the team transitions to its Audi identity. Hülkenberg, known for his consistent performances and extensive technical feedback throughout his lengthy F1 career, will bring invaluable experience to a new manufacturer entry. His ability to develop a car and guide a team through its formative stages will be critical. Bortoleto, a former FIA Formula 3 champion and a driver showing significant promise in junior categories, is poised to make his mark as a "sophomore" in 2025, providing him with a full season of F1 experience before the Audi era begins. This blend of seasoned expertise and youthful talent aims to provide a robust foundation for the team’s competitive aspirations.
The Sauber team, under its current identity, delivered a notably strong performance in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship, securing ninth position with an impressive 70 points. This tally represents by far the best campaign by a ninth-placed team in the 21st century, signaling a significant uplift in performance and a competitive base from which Audi can build. This result indicates that the team is on an upward trajectory, providing Audi with a more formidable platform than many previous new entrants have enjoyed.
Audi’s launch is part of a broader series of 2026 F1 team unveilings, as manufacturers and teams prepare for the new regulatory cycle. The pre-season calendar is shaping up with several key dates for fans and media:
2026 F1 Team Launch Schedule (as announced):
| Date | Team(s) | Location | Car Reveal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 January | Red Bull, Racing Bulls | Detroit, Michigan, USA | Livery only |
| 20 January | Audi | Berlin, Germany | Livery only |
| 23 January | Alpine | Barcelona, Spain | Livery only (TBC) |
| 8 February | Cadillac | Super Bowl advert, USA | Livery only |
| 9 February | Aston Martin | TBC | 2026 car |
This schedule places Audi’s reveal early in the pre-season, indicating a proactive approach to their market and fan engagement strategy. The unveiling of liveries before the physical cars often serves to generate excitement and establish brand identity ahead of the competitive track action. Cadillac’s unique plan to debut its livery during a Super Bowl advert highlights the growing reach and commercial appeal of Formula 1 in key markets like the United States. Aston Martin stands out as the only team currently slated to reveal its actual 2026 car rather than just the livery, suggesting a different strategic approach to their launch. As the 2026 season draws closer, further details and potential additions to this launch schedule are anticipated.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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