Audi confirms F1 team name and launch date for 2026 entry

Audi has confirmed it will compete in Formula 1 as the Audi Revolut F1 Team, with its full team identity and race livery set to be revealed at an immersive event in Berlin on January 20. This announcement formalizes the strategic alliance with title partner Revolut and marks a crucial step as the German manufacturer accelerates preparations for its debut under the new 2026 regulations.

Why it matters:

Audi's entry represents the first new full works team to join the F1 grid in the modern era, promising to reshape the competitive landscape. The partnership with fintech giant Revolut signals a move beyond traditional sponsorship, integrating commercial and fan engagement strategies directly into the team's core operations from the outset.

The details:

• The team will officially launch on January 20, 2025, with a public event following on January 21, allowing fans to see the 2026 livery.
• The Sauber Motorsport AG entity will be renamed Audi Motorsport AG, and the Bicester Technology Centre will become the Audi Motorsport Technology Centre UK, though the Sauber Holding and Technologies names will be retained.
• The collaboration is deeply integrated: Revolut Business will handle team finances, Revolut Pay will be used in Audi's online store, and fans will get app-exclusive benefits and race access.
• The sporting structure remains stable, with Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal, Mattia Binotto as Head of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, and Nico Hülkenberg alongside Gabriel Bortoleto as the driver lineup for 2026.

The big picture:

This is more than a rebrand; it's the crystallization of a long-term project. Audi Chairman Gernot Döllner called it a "major milestone" that gives their ambition a clear identity. For Revolut, CEO Nik Storonsky framed the partnership as a platform for global growth, aligning with its goal to reach 100 million customers. The team unites operations across Germany, the UK, and Switzerland under a single banner.

What's next:

The Berlin launch is positioned as a statement of intent, coming just days before the 2026 cars hit the track for pre-season testing. All eyes will be on the livery reveal and whether Audi can translate its significant investment and technical partnerships into a competitive package from the start, challenging the established order in a pivotal new regulatory era.