Audi's 2026 F1 entry celebrated with first-ever Topps trading cards

Topps has released the inaugural Audi Formula 1 trading cards, marking the German manufacturer's upcoming 2026 grid entry as a works team. The collectibles feature the team's launch livery and drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, with autographed versions available.

Why it matters:

The card launch serves as an early commercial footprint for Audi in F1, building fan engagement and brand visibility two years before its competitive debut. It highlights the growing intersection of F1, collector markets, and team marketing strategies as new manufacturers enter the sport.

The details:

• The trading card set includes team cards from Audi's Berlin launch event and driver cards featuring Nico Hulkenberg and reserve driver Gabriel Bortoleto, complete with signature editions.
• Priced from £11.99 for a single pack to £165.99 for a 20-card box, they are available directly through the Topps website.
• Topps has held the official F1 trading card and sticker license since 2020, creating memorabilia for key moments in the sport.
• F1 Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer emphasized the importance of such creative partnerships for engaging new and diverse audiences, commenting on the extended deal in 2024.
• Audi is set to join the grid in 2026 after fully taking over the Sauber operation following the 2025 season.

The big picture:

The release underscores Audi's commitment to establishing its F1 identity well in advance of its track debut. Team principal Jonathan Wheatley recently highlighted the critical advantage of entering as a full works team, suggesting a car and power unit designed in unison from the start—like the 2026 Audi project—offers a fundamental performance benefit over customer arrangements, despite McLaren's recent success with a Mercedes power unit.

What's next:

These cards are the first of many brand-building exercises for Audi in F1. All eyes will be on the team's technical development progress toward the 2026 regulations, with the trading cards serving as an early collectible for a new chapter in the team's history.