Audi to debut 2026 F1 car on track early with Barcelona shakedown

Audi is reportedly pushing for an early on-track debut of its 2026 Formula 1 car, scheduling a shakedown run at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya. This proactive move, utilizing one of the team's allotted filming days, provides a crucial early data-gathering opportunity ahead of sweeping technical regulation changes. The German manufacturer is wasting no time after recently firing up the power unit and chassis for the first time at its Hinwil headquarters, signaling its aggressive entry into the sport.

Why it matters:

• The 2026 season represents one of the biggest regulatory overhauls in recent F1 history, introducing new power units with a 50/50 combustion-electric split, active aerodynamics, and 100% sustainable fuels.
• For a manufacturer making its full works debut, an early shakedown provides invaluable real-world data on systems integration and reliability, offering a potential head start over established rivals.
• Demonstrating this level of preparedness sends a strong message to the grid that Audi is a serious contender intent on hitting the ground running.

The details:

• The shakedown will take place at Barcelona, using one of two promotional filming days permitted per team per season.
• Regulations restrict the run to 200km (approximately 42 laps) and require the use of special Pirelli demonstration tires, not the race-spec compounds.
• This follows the successful first fire-up of the power unit and chassis at Audi's Hinwil base on December 19.
• The car's official launch event is scheduled for January 20 in Berlin, ahead of the first official pre-season test in Barcelona from January 26-30.

What's next:

• All eyes will be on Berlin for the official launch, where the team will present its 2026 livery and driver lineup to the world.
• The first pre-season test later in January will be the first true measure of the Audi package's performance and reliability against its 2026 competitors.
• While this early shakedown is a positive sign of preparation, the ultimate test will be how the car fares over multiple race simulations when the season begins.