Audi has officially launched its highly anticipated entry into Formula 1, unveiling the livery for its 2026 car at a glittering event in Berlin on Tuesday night. The German automotive giant, which has taken over the Sauber outfit, is set to make its grand prix debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 8 March 2026.
A Clear Championship Vision by 2030
Audi chief executive Gernot Dollner has laid out an ambitious long-term plan for the team's first foray into Formula 1, targeting 2030 as the year they intend to compete for world championships. On stage in Berlin, Dollner declared: "We all share one clear vision: to compete at the highest level and to fight for championships by 2030."
The distinctive grey, red, and black design revealed in Berlin marks the beginning of Audi's journey in the pinnacle of motorsport. The company brings considerable racing pedigree to Formula 1, having won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans event thirteen times and secured four World Rally Championship titles, though this represents their first venture into grand prix racing.
Realistic Expectations for a Challenging Debut
While Dollner expressed championship aspirations, Audi's F1 project head Mattia Binotto struck a more cautious note about the immediate challenges ahead. The former Ferrari team principal predicted what he described as a "very bumpy" debut campaign in 2026.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Binotto explained: "The five years is what we set as an objective because there is much that we need to build. It's not only the car on track, that's the final product of a big organisation. Infrastructure, tools, methodology, the organisation, we need to ramp up skills - there is still much that's required."
Binotto, who is working alongside team principal and former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, acknowledged the formidable competition: "We know we are competing against strong competitors, settled-down organisations and no doubt who were stronger before will stay stronger as well in 2026."
Building from the Ground Up
The Audi F1 operation represents a significant undertaking, with the team operating from two main bases. The chassis and team operations will be run from Sauber's former hub in Hinwil, Switzerland, while the power unit programme will be developed at Audi's facility in Neuburg an der Donau in Bavaria, Germany.
This contrasts with another new team joining the grid in 2026, Cadillac, which will use Ferrari engines until at least 2029. Audi has committed to producing its own power unit, demonstrating the manufacturer's comprehensive approach to its Formula 1 project.
At the Berlin launch, drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto were present, dressed in apparel designed by Adidas - the same brand that sponsors rival team Mercedes. Their presence underscored the human element of this technical challenge, with experienced and new talent alike preparing for what promises to be a demanding inaugural season.
Binotto emphasised the team's methodical approach: "We are planning for it and we will simply make it. So we are acting by priorities. We still want to do well on track, the best we can." This balanced perspective suggests Audi recognises the need for both immediate competitiveness and long-term development in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
The countdown now begins toward that first race in Melbourne, where Audi will join the grid as one of eleven teams, marking the beginning of what they hope will be a journey from challenging debut to championship contention within just four seasons.
