Audi run 2026 F1 car on track for the first time

Audi have given their new F1 car its debut track run ahead of the team’s first official season in 2026, with the squad holding a filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Following the squad’s transition from Kick Sauber into the Audi works outfit, preparations are continuing ahead of the new campaign and the R26 was given its first mileage in Montmelo on Friday.

Both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto got behind the wheel, with the filming day marking the latest milestone in Audi’s progression to the start of the season.

The team confirmed on January 7 that they had successfully completed the first fire-up of their new challenger, while it was announced last month that the outfit – who will be known as the Audi Revolut F1 Team – will host their official launch in Berlin on January 20.

This will see the squad present their full race livery before holding a public opening on the following day, allowing fans to experience the unique occasion after they revealed an early concept livery in November that featured titanium, carbon black and Audi red as the predominant colours.

Audi will join the other 10 teams set to line up on the grid this year at a private pre-season test in Barcelona from January 26-30, before two separate tests take place in Bahrain across February 11-13 and February 18-20.