Audi reveal livery concept ahead of 2026 F1 debut

Audi have unveiled the colour scheme that will adorn their first Formula 1 car, which will debut in 2026, as part of a glittering launch event in Munich.

The German automotive brand, who have enjoyed success in various motorsport categories, are entering F1 next year with their own chassis and power unit built to sweeping new rules, after taking over the Sauber entry.

Since making the commitment back in 2022 to join F1 in 2026, Audi have been building up their power unit base in Neuberg, Germany, and enhancing Sauber’s HQ in Hinwil, Switzerland, where the chassis and race team will operate from – while also opening a UK Technology Centre in Bicester to make the most of the expertise in the UK’s Motorsport Valley. 

Gabriel Bortoleto, who made his debut with Sauber this year, and veteran racer Nico Hulkenberg, who scored his first F1 podium at Silverstone in the summer, will continue into the Audi era as the squad’s driver line-up. 

The duo were on hand with Audi CEO Gernot Dollner, Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto and Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley to reveal the brand’s vision for their entry into Formula 1 at a bespoke event at the Audi Brand Experience Centre in Munich on Wednesday evening.

They revealed a concept livery that they said “provides a very distinct preview of the colour scheme and design of the brand’s first Formula 1 race car, which will be unveiled in January 2026”. 

The colour palette features titanium, carbon black and Audi red, while the livery incorporates the company’s iconic four rings. Their goal is to have “the most striking car on the race track” when they line up on the grid in 2026. 

While they know it will take time to rise to the top of the pile and fight with the established teams, their ultimate goal is clear – they want to win. 

“Motorsport is part of the Audi DNA and has always been the driving force behind technological progress and innovation,” said Dollner. “By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement. 

“It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi. 

“We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. 

“It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”

Binotto leads the project and will utilise his near-three decades of experience in Formula 1 with Ferrari to drive the project forward as he echoed Dollner’s ambitions to fight for the title in five years’ time.

“The Audi F1 Project is the most exciting project in motorsports, if not in sports overall,” said Binotto. “The goal is clear: to fight for championships by 2030. 

“That journey takes time, the right people, and a mindset of continuous improvement. Formula 1 is one of the most competitive environments. Becoming a champion is a journey of progress. 

“Mistakes will happen, but learning from them is what drives transformation. That’s why we follow a three-phased approach: starting as a challenger with the ambition to grow, evolving into a competitor by daring the status quo and achieving first successes, and ultimately becoming a champion.”

Wheatley, who joined the squad earlier this year after an extensive 18-year stint with Red Bull as their Sporting Director, said: “This journey is not just about the destination but about engaging with the people who make every step possible. It is about your mindset, focus, resilience and confidence without complacency.

“Championship-winning teams are not built on magic – they are built on people who believe in each other, in the process, and in the destination.

“Our drivers, Nico and Gabi, embody that spirit. They bring passion and hunger and treat every lap as a chance to learn and move forward.”

Brazilian Bortoleto and German Hulkenberg signed multi-year deals when they joined Sauber, ensuring they were part of the squad into the Audi era. 

“Being part of Audi feels like a dream come true for me,” said Bortoleto. “My big idol is Ayrton Senna. And it was Ayrton Senna who brought Audi to Brazil. 

“When the Audi F1 Project started and I was given the chance to be part of it, it was like a gift for me. I am living my dream of driving in Formula 1 – and with Audi, a team that we are building from scratch.”

Hulkenberg, who made his F1 debut in F1 back in 2010, scored his first podium in what was his 239th Grand Prix at Silverstone earlier this year and has proved to be a consistent points-scorer since arriving at Sauber. 

“You can sense that something big is happening here,” he said. “The team’s energy and ambitions are impressive, and the project’s positive atmosphere is truly tangible. 

“This is the beginning of a long journey, and that’s exactly what motivates me.”