Page 1 of 1 Hugely successful in sports car racing and rallying, Audi has now set its focus on Formula 1. Although having competed in Grand Prix racing under the Auto Union brand many years ago, the new-for-2026 R26 is the German manufacturer's very first F1 car. It was the result of a three-year process during which the Swiss Sauber team was absorbed and a bespoke power unit was developed.
It was a timely entry into the sport as the 2026 season is the start of a brand-new regulation cycle with the comprehensive changes touching every element of the car. Accordingly, the Audi R26 is smaller and lighter than the cars previously run under the Sauber name. It also comes with a different aerodynamics philosophy as ground effect is once again banned. Instead, the narrower wings are active to ensure the cars reach terminal velocity with the simplified power units.
Developed in-house at Audi Sport's Neuburg facility, the new power unit consists of a V6 internal combustion engine combined with a single hybrid element. The six-cylinder engine displaces 1,600 cc and has a capped compression ratio of 16.0:1. The hybrid system and associated electric motor are designed to be responsible for 50% of the total output of the power unit with a maximum set at 350 Kw. This power is fed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Tasked with driving Audi's very first Formula 1 car are Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Page 1 of 1
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Hugely successful in sports car racing and rallying, Audi has now set its focus on Formula 1. Although having competed in Grand Prix racing under the Auto Union brand many years ago, the new-for-2026 R26 is the German manufacturer's very first F1 car. It was the result of a three-year process during which the Swiss Sauber team was absorbed and a bespoke power unit was developed.