Audi Hits Track First, Shakes Down 2026 F1 Car in Barcelona

Audi has become the first team to run a 2026 Formula 1 car, hitting the track for a shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The team, formerly known as Sauber, used its permitted filming day to give its new R26 chassis its first laps with drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. This marks a significant early milestone for the German manufacturer as it prepares for its full works entry under the sport's new technical regulations.

Why it matters:

This shakedown is the first tangible proof of Audi's massive investment and its transition from a partner to a full-fledged Formula 1 works team. The 2026 regulations represent a monumental reset, with entirely new power units and chassis concepts, making early track time invaluable for data collection. For a team with high expectations and new leadership including Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, demonstrating progress early is crucial for building momentum and confidence ahead of a competitive debut season.

The details:

• The Car: The new chassis is designated the R26.
• Driver Lineup: Both Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto were behind the wheel for the shakedown.
• Secrecy: As expected for a car under radical new regulations, Audi released only heavily obscured images, showing the car from a distance, from the rear, and just a portion of the rear wing.
• Key Personnel: Team principal Jonathan Wheatley and Audi F1 head Mattia Binotto were present in Barcelona, underscoring the importance of the event.
• Official Launch: Audi will officially unveil its team identity and 2026 livery at an event in Berlin on January 20.
• First Test: The first of three pre-season tests will take place in Barcelona from January 26-30.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Berlin on January 20 for the official launch, where the world will finally see the Audi-branded livery for the first time. The team will then immediately travel back to Barcelona for the first pre-season test, where the R26 will run alongside its 10 competitors for the first time. This early run provides a baseline, but the real measure of Audi's progress will come during the three-week testing period, where reliability and performance against the rest of the grid will become clear.