Audi's F1 adventure gets underway as the German marque's first F1 contender is revealed in Berlin.
At Kraftwerk Berlin, the team made its debut in an immersive setting that used light and sound to reimagine the historic power station as a stage for the future of motorsport.
Unveiling the team's first full official livery, on a car understood not to be the definitive R26, and not the car run at Barcelona last week, the iconic venue was transformed into a multi-brand powerhouse, offering guests a first chance to see and hear from those who have been working to bring the project to life.
Berlin, a vibrant global hub of progress, culture and technology, was a deliberate venue choice and a statement of the team's ambition to connect with audiences beyond the traditional confines of motorsport.
"Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi," explained Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi Motorsport AG. "Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motorsport, and we are here not just to compete, but to define the future of 'Vorsprung durch Technik'.
"This project is a catalyst for our entire company, a symbol of our transformation towards a more performance-driven, efficient, and innovative culture. Our philosophy is one of absolute, long-term commitment. We understand that success in Formula 1 demands relentless perseverance and Audi Revolut F1 Team is not here to make up the numbers; we aim to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030."
At the heart of the launch was the reveal of the team's complete visual identity. The definitive R26 race livery for the inaugural season is a direct application of Audi's new design philosophy: clear, technical, intelligent, and emotional. The car features a design expressing technical elegance in its signature Titanium finish, contrasted with exposed Carbon Fibre signifying raw performance. These elements are punctuated by vibrant Lava Red accents and the iconic Audi rings, a symbol reserved exclusively for the Formula 1 project.
The design philosophy extends beyond the car's livery to shape Audi Revolut F1 Team's entire presence, in every environment. The apparel worn in the paddock, the design of motorhome and colours of the pit garage are expressions of the visual identity featuring clean structural lines, brushed surfaces, and Lava Red.
The event was also a chance to see the entire Audi Revolut F1 Team ecosystem in one place and the first time seeing this brought to life through the full livery and team merchandise.
Alongside the livery, the team revealed its bespoke race and team clothing range, designed and co-developed with official partner adidas. The kit extends the team's visual identity from the chassis to the crew, reflecting the same design principles of clarity and technical precision and ensuring a unified, striking presence on and off the track. The collection launches globally on 19 February.
Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, outlined the unified structure that forms the backbone of the project.
"The strategic decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is our single greatest asset," said Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project. "We have spent the last few years meticulously building not just a power unit in Neuburg but laying the foundations for a technical organisation that binds our chassis development in Hinwil and Bicester. This seamless integration gives us total control over our destiny, eliminating compromises and enabling a level of agility and innovation that is essential for success. This is what makes Audi Revolut F1 Team one vision, controlling every variable from the engine block to the front wing. This is the foundation upon which championships are built."
"This car is the physical embodiment of thousands of hours of hard work from a hugely talented group of people across our facilities," added Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal. "Today, we start this journey with immense pride, but also with humility. This is just day one of a long campaign. Our mission is to embed a championship DNA into every fibre of this team. A culture of resilience, precision, and relentless curiosity where we stop at nothing to find performance. For everyone here, the excitement comes from this challenge: to build a team that gets stronger with every lap, every debrief, and every race. We will turn our long-term ambition into on-track reality, day by day, decision by decision."
This sentiment was echoed by the team's drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who joined Binotto and Wheatley on stage.
"Having been in the Formula 1 paddock for many years, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability," said Hulkenberg. "What I feel here today is a profound seriousness and an incredible energy that sets this team apart. We are a true works team with a clear, long-term vision backed by immense resources and world-class expertise. For a driver, the proposition of being with Audi at the very start of its journey is exceptionally exciting. We have the chance to build something very special together and I am looking forward to get this car on the track in Melbourne."
"To race for the Four Rings, a brand that has such an iconic and victorious history in motorsport is, quite simply, a dream come true," added Bortoleto. "You grow up hearing about the dominance of Audi at Le Mans and in rallying, and to now be chosen to carry that legacy into Formula 1 is an unbelievable honour. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I feel the weight of the responsibility, but more than that, I feel an incredible motivation to learn, to push, and to grow with this team. I am ready to give my absolute all to help write this great chapter for Audi Revolut F1 Team."
Check out our R26 gallery, here.
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