Audi Revs Up for Historic Formula 1 Debut in 2026
TORONTO, January 20, 2026 – After decades of motorsport dominance in categories from endurance racing to rally, German automotive powerhouse Audi is set to make its long-awaited entry into Formula 1. The company will debut as a full constructor and power unit manufacturer in the 2026 season following its complete acquisition of the Sauber team, marking one of the most significant new entries in recent F1 history.
The Road to Formula 1
Audi’s journey to the F1 grid began in August 2022 when the Volkswagen Group brand announced plans to enter the sport as a power unit supplier when new regulations take effect in 2026. The company quickly confirmed a strategic partnership with the Swiss-based Sauber team, acquiring a minority stake that would eventually lead to full ownership by January 2025. This acquisition, valued at approximately €600 million CAD, positions Audi as the first German manufacturer to field a full works team since Mercedes’ return in 2010.
The timing aligns with a major regulatory overhaul in Formula 1 that emphasizes sustainability and technological innovation. The 2026 regulations will introduce power units with significantly increased electrical output—nearly matching the combustion engine’s 400 kW (544 hp)—and mandate the use of 100% sustainable fuels. For Audi, known for its “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Progress through Technology) philosophy, these changes presented the perfect opportunity to enter the sport on competitive terms.
Team Structure and Leadership
The Audi Revolut F1 Team, as it will be officially known, brings together experienced motorsport leadership. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto serves as Head of the Audi F1 Project, overseeing technical development across all facilities. Jonathan Wheatley, previously with Red Bull Racing, has taken on the role of Team Principal, focusing on race operations and strategic leadership.
The team will operate from three key European facilities: chassis development and race operations in Hinwil, Switzerland (the former Sauber headquarters); power unit development at the Audi Competence Center Motorsport in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany; and a technology office in Bicester, England, located in the heart of the UK’s “Motorsport Valley” to tap into specialized engineering talent.
Driver Lineup: Experience Meets Youth
Audi has opted for a balanced driver pairing that combines veteran experience with promising young talent. German driver Nico Hülkenberg, with over 250 Grand Prix starts to his name, brings extensive F1 knowledge to the team. He will be partnered with Brazilian rising star Gabriel Bortoleto, who achieved the rare feat of winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in his debut seasons in each series.
Both drivers are currently competing for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in the 2025 season, providing valuable continuity as the team transitions to its Audi identity for the 2026 campaign.
Technical Innovation and Sustainability
The heart of Audi’s F1 project is its in-house developed power unit, which represents the first Formula 1 powertrain to be developed and built in Germany in over a decade. The Audi Power Unit consists of a highly efficient 1.6-liter turbocharged combustion engine running on sustainable fuels, paired with an advanced electric motor, battery, and energy recovery system.
According to Audi Formula Racing CEO Adam Baker, development is progressing according to plan: “After just two years, our power unit is running dynamically on the test bench and has already covered simulated race distances. We have achieved all the performance and efficiency targets we set for this phase of development.”
Commercial Strategy: Premium Partnerships
In a departure from the heavily logo-covered liveries common in modern F1, Audi has announced a “premium partner” commercial strategy focused on quality over quantity. The team has secured British financial technology company Revolut as its title sponsor in a multi-year deal announced in 2025. Other key partners include energy company BP, which will supply sustainable fuels, and sportswear brand Adidas as the official apparel partner.
Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley explained the philosophy: “Our approach is to have a clean, clear, crisp outlook so that it’s not covered in sponsor logos from top to bottom. It’s going to be creating an entirely new look in Formula One of premium partners and a clean car.”
Key Facts: Audi Revolut F1 Team
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Team Name | Audi Revolut F1 Team |
| Base Locations | Hinwil, Switzerland (Chassis); Neuburg, Germany (Power Unit); Bicester, UK (Technology) |
| Team Principal | Jonathan Wheatley |
| Project Head | Mattia Binotto |
| Drivers (2026) | Nico Hülkenberg (Germany) and Gabriel Bortoleto (Brazil) |
| Power Unit | Audi (developed in-house) |
| Chassis | Audi R26 (to be unveiled January 2026) |
| Title Sponsor | Revolut (British fintech company) |
| First Race | 2026 Australian Grand Prix (March 8, 2026) |
Canadian Motorsport Sponsorship Context
The arrival of a major new manufacturer like Audi comes at a time of significant growth for Formula 1’s commercial appeal in Canada. Recent data from Bell Media’s sponsorship study of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix showed that strategic F1 partnerships can deliver strong brand impact, with 61% aided awareness among Canadian audiences and particularly strong engagement among key demographics including millennials, families, and newcomers to Canada.
This growing interest in F1 among Canadian audiences creates potential opportunities for brands to engage with the sport through team sponsorships, race partnerships, or activation around the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Audi make its Formula 1 debut?
Audi is scheduled to make its competitive debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix on March 8, 2026, which will be the opening round of the 2026 F1 season.
What team is Audi taking over?
Audi has acquired the Sauber team, which has competed in Formula 1 since 1993 under various names including BMW-Sauber, Alfa Romeo, and most recently as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.
Who are the drivers for the Audi F1 team?
The confirmed driver lineup for the 2026 season consists of experienced German driver Nico Hülkenberg and promising Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto.
What makes the 2026 regulations significant for Audi’s entry?
The 2026 regulations introduce major changes including increased electrical power (nearly equal to combustion engine output), removal of the MGU-H system, and a requirement for 100% sustainable fuels—aligning with Audi’s technological strengths and sustainability goals.
Where will the team be based?
The team will operate from three main facilities: chassis development in Hinwil, Switzerland; power unit development in Neuburg, Germany; and a technology office in Bicester, England to access specialized motorsport engineering talent.