Audi Unveils Striking R26 Concept Livery Ahead of 2026 Formula 1 Debut

Audi has unveiled a bold new Formula 1 concept livery, offering the first glimpse of its 2026 car design during a special event in Munich. The reveal marks a major milestone for the German manufacturer as it prepares to officially enter Formula 1 next year following its full takeover of the Sauber team.

The Audi R26 Concept, presented on Wednesday night, serves as a visual teaser for the team’s first F1 challenger, which will make its on-track debut in a private collective test in Barcelona early next year before public pre-season testing begins. Audi will formally rebrand the Sauber outfit on January 1, 2026, and launch the real R26 later that month.

“The Most Striking Car on the Grid”

Audi’s chief creative officer, Massimo Frascella, said the goal was to make the team’s first Formula 1 car instantly recognizable both on and off the circuit.

“Our aim is to have the most striking car on the grid,” Frascella explained. “And to be the most daring brand off the track.”

The R26 Concept features a two-tone finish, blending titanium silver inspired by Audi’s Concept C with carbon black and a new Audi red accent on the rear half of the car. The red hue will also appear selectively on the four Audi rings, symbolizing a refreshed brand identity that ties the F1 project to the company’s future road car design philosophy.

A Nod to Audi’s Motorsport Heritage

The design pays homage to Audi’s storied racing past, taking cues from the legendary Auto Union Type C, part of the pre-war “Silver Arrows” era. Auto Union a merger of four manufacturers that formed the basis of modern-day Audi dominated European racing in the 1930s and remains a key part of the brand’s motorsport DNA.

“Design is and has always been an integral part of Audi’s DNA,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. “We have a very strong legacy with the Concept C, which gave a glimpse of how Audi design will evolve.

“We also want to bring that Audi DNA to Formula 1. So this is a very special day for us. After the Concept C, the Formula 1 car will be the second one of our radical next design philosophies.”

Branding Focused on Audi Identity

The concept livery notably omits all commercial branding, including those of title partner Revolut, fuel partner bp, and apparel supplier Adidas. There is also no visible reference to the Qatar Investment Authority, which purchased a minority stake in the F1 team last year.

Audi says the purpose of the concept is to place the Audi brand front and center, establishing a clear visual link between its Formula 1 team and its broader design direction for future vehicles.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 marks one of the most anticipated new manufacturer arrivals in recent decades. The team will compete under the new engine regulations coming into force in 2026, which emphasize hybrid efficiency and sustainable fuels aligning closely with Audi’s long-term strategy for electrification and performance.

With its striking new identity and a clear vision for innovation, Audi is positioning itself not just as a new competitor, but as a design and technology leader for Formula 1’s next era.

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