Audi Gives First Look at 2026 F1 Car with Barcelona Track Run

Audi has become the first team to run a complete 2026-spec Formula 1 car, with the R26 completing a shakedown at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. Driven by Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, the filming day was focused on verifying systems functionality rather than performance. The run offered the first on-track glimpse of the new era of regulations, despite the team deliberately obscuring the car's final livery ahead of its official launch.

Why it matters:

This marks a pivotal moment for Audi's ambitious F1 project, signaling the start of its journey as a full-fledged works team. As the first manufacturer to debut a complete 2026 package, Audi is setting an early tone for the new technical era. The successful shakedown is a crucial first step in building credibility and momentum ahead of a highly anticipated debut season where the German giant aims to quickly become a competitive force.

The details:

• The primary goal was a systems check, not a performance run. Audi stated the focus was on "full functionality of the car," with performance and handling reserved for official pre-season testing.
• The R26 ran in a plain, all-black livery, intentionally hiding the final design which will be revealed at the official launch in Berlin on January 20.
• Despite the camouflage, the footage confirmed key features of the new 2026 regulations:
  • The car is visibly narrower than its 2025 predecessor.
  • It features a raised nose and a front wing designed for "in-wash" airflow to improve wake control.
• In a notable technical shift, the car utilizes a push-rod front suspension, a departure from the pull-rod design favored by the Sauber team in recent seasons.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Berlin on January 20 for the official launch of the Audi R26, where the team's definitive livery and design will be unveiled. Following the launch, the entire F1 grid will participate in a private, three-day test at Barcelona from January 26-30. The season will then kick into gear with two pre-season tests in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20, setting the stage for the first race of the 2026 season.