First F1 2026 Car on Track as Audi Completes Shakedown

Fan footage has captured the first on-track action of a 2026 Formula 1 car, with Audi's R26 completing a shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The run, held in an all-black livery, marks a significant milestone for the German manufacturer as it prepares for its full works entry into the sport, following the complete takeover of the Sauber team.

Why it matters:

This shakedown is more than just a filming day; it's the first tangible sign of the new 2026 regulations era coming to life. For Audi, a massive automotive brand, it represents the culmination of years of investment and development, signaling their serious intent to compete at the highest level from their very first season as a constructor.

The details:

• On-track debut: The car, internally designated the R26, ran at Barcelona's Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during a private filming day, making it the first of the new generation to hit the track.
• Stealth livery: The Audi was running in a stealthy, blacked-out livery, concealing the final design ahead of its official launch.
• Driver reaction: Rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto, who will partner Nico Hülkenberg in 2026, described hearing the engine for the first time during a recent factory fire-up as an experience that gave him "goosebumps everywhere."
• Milestone moment: The shakedown follows the first successful fire-up of the chassis and power unit at the team's Hinwil factory on December 19, where the new engine was heard for the first time.

What's next:

The shakedown is just the beginning of a busy launch period for the team. The official public launch of the 2026 car is scheduled for January 20 in Berlin. Following that, the team will participate in pre-season testing, also in Barcelona, from January 26-30, before the season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.