Audi Unveils 2026 F1 Car with Successful Barcelona Shakedown

Audi has officially taken to the track with its 2026 Formula 1 car, completing a successful shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The German manufacturer became the first team to run its new-era machinery, releasing the first official images of the black-liveried 'R26' after initial leaks surfaced on social media. Audi called it a 'milestone moment' as the road to its official F1 entry begins.

Why it matters:

• This shakedown marks the first tangible step for a new manufacturer entering F1 under the sport's next major regulatory era, signaling Audi's serious commitment.
• Being the first on track provides Audi with a head start on data collection and systems validation ahead of the intense pre-season testing period.
• The event generates significant buzz and momentum for the Sauber-run team as it transitions into the full Audi works outfit for 2026.

The details:

• The shakedown took place on Friday at Barcelona, the same venue that will host the first of three pre-season tests at the end of January.
• The car is designated 'R26' and ran in a black livery, following initial images and videos that were leaked on social media before Audi's official release.
• Audi's official social media post stated, "We’re officially rolling... A milestone moment in Barcelona as the R26 hit a racetrack for the very first time."
• This initial run is a 'shakedown,' designed to check basic systems and functionality, rather than a full-blown performance test.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the official pre-season testing, where the R26 will run alongside its 2026 competitors for the first time. This shakedown, while a key milestone, is just the beginning of a long development journey as Audi prepares for its highly anticipated full-season debut in 2026. All eyes will be on their performance and reliability when the real running begins later this month.