Audi's 2026 F1 Car Shakedown Confirms Double-Pushrod Suspension Trend

Audi became the first team to run its 2026 Formula 1 car, and its R26 chassis has confirmed a significant technical trend for the new regulations: a double-pushrod suspension. The design, spotted during a shakedown in Barcelona, is also expected to be adopted by top teams like Ferrari and Red Bull as the sport prepares for a major rules overhaul. This shift towards pushrod suspension highlights the massive technical challenges and opportunities presented by F1's new era of active aerodynamics and complex hybrid power units.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent one of the most significant overhauls in F1 history, simultaneously changing chassis, power unit, and aerodynamic rules. A team's fundamental philosophy on suspension is critical for unlocking performance under these new parameters. The move to pushrod suggests teams are prioritizing predictable handling characteristics and more efficient packaging for the new, more complex power units over the pullrod layouts seen on some current cars. Getting this core architecture right is paramount to success in the new era.

The details:

• Audi conducted a filming day at Barcelona, covering the maximum 200km allowed with its all-black R26 chassis.
• Technical analysis confirmed a pushrod layout at both the front and rear, a design not commonly seen across the grid in recent years.
• Ferrari is reportedly planning a similar setup for its 2026 car, which would be its first rear pushrod since the F10 in 2010.
• Red Bull is also rumored to be adopting the double-pushrod concept for its RB22.
• The pushrod design is favored for its more predictable behavior and its ability to create a cleaner packaging environment for the larger, more complex 2026 power units.

What's next:

Audi will officially launch its 2026 challenger, the R26, at an event in Berlin on January 20. The first pre-season test for all teams will take place behind closed doors in Barcelona from January 26-30, where we'll see if other manufacturers have followed suit. While the double-pushrod seems to be the early favorite, the true test will come when the cars hit the track for real, revealing which team has best interpreted the complex new regulations.