Audi has made history by debuting a Formula 1 car for the first time ever! The R26, the vehicle set to represent the brand in 2026, was spotted during a shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Amateur footage from the Spanish GP circuit captures the Audi R26 taking its very first laps on the track. This shakedown occurred during designated filming days, where teams are allowed to cover up to 200 kilometers on special test tires.
The German manufacturer is gearing up for its entry into Formula 1 as a factory team, having transformed the existing Sauber setup into a full-fledged Audi project. Under the leadership of team principal Jonathan Wheatley, the new racing team had already fired up the R26’s power unit on December 19, marking an impressively early start in the development process compared to competitors.
Due to the close proximity to the cameras, not many technical details of the car are discernible yet. However, it is believed that both drivers, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, each completed around 100 kilometers by the end of the day. Audi will officially unveil the R26 on January 20 during a launch event in Berlin. Just six days later, the 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off with the first official pre-season test.
Check out the video below featuring Audi’s first laps in Formula 1:
See the F1 calendar for 2026 here!
