Audi Revolut F1 Team Brings 2026 Challenger to Life With First Fire-Up

[Source: Audi]

It is getting real folks. After years of development and collaboration between the team’s facilities in Neuburg, Hinwil, and Bicester, the Audi Power Unit is ignited for the first time in the 2026 chassis. We are now less than two weeks away from the Audi Revolut F1 Team officially unveiling the car.

The first fire-up marks a critical milestone for Audi’s F1 program, confirming that years of development and cross-team collaboration have successfully come together. It represents the moment the car comes to life for the first time, following close cooperation between Audi’s powertrain team in Germany, the chassis group in Switzerland, and the new UK technical center. Beyond the emotion, the successful fire-up establishes a strong technical foundation as Audi prepares for the sweeping Formula 1 regulation changes arriving in 2026.

“A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve,” said Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project.

In Berlin on January 20, 2026, will be the next major milestone for the Audi Revolut F1 Team. The R26 will be shown in full race livery and its on-track identity will be officially presented. On track testing will take place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26-30. Additional test sessions will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit between February 11-13 and February 18-20. Racing begins in Australia on March 6-8.