Formula 1
Audi Confirms Date for First-Ever Formula 1 Team Launch Ahead of 2026 Debut
Audi has officially confirmed the date of its first-ever Formula 1 team launch, marking a major milestone in the German manufacturer’s long-awaited entry into the sport. The Audi Revolut F1 Team will unveil its full identity — including its 2026 Formula 1 livery — on January 20, 2026, at a global launch event in Berlin.
The reveal represents Audi’s first public step as a full works Formula 1 team, ahead of the sport’s sweeping new regulations set to arrive in 2026.
A Landmark Moment for Audi’s Formula 1 Project
The Berlin launch will present what Audi calls its “full identity”, officially introducing the Audi Revolut F1 Team name, branding, and race livery. The event will be followed by a public fan opening on January 21, designed to ensure Audi’s F1 entry resonates beyond the paddock and connects directly with fans.
Just six days later, Audi’s first Formula 1 car will hit the track for the first time during a private pre-season test in Barcelona from January 26 to 30, marking its on-track debut ahead of the 2026 season.
Audi Revolut F1 Team: Name, Partner, and Vision
The team name reflects Audi’s title partnership with Revolut, the global fintech company, which was confirmed earlier this year. Audi has emphasized that the partnership goes beyond branding, with Revolut technology integrated into team operations and fan engagement.
Revolut Business will support financial processes, while Revolut Pay will power transactions on the team’s official online platforms. Fans can also expect exclusive digital experiences, race-related access, and app-based engagement as part of the collaboration.
Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky described the alliance as a shared ambition to break conventions in Formula 1 while connecting with one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
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From Sauber to Audi: Completing the Transformation
Audi’s F1 entry comes via its acquisition of the Sauber team, which will officially be rebranded as Audi on January 1, 2026. While Sauber finished last in the constructors’ standings in 2024, the team showed a strong recovery in 2025, ending ninth with 70 points, scoring in 13 of 24 races and securing a standout podium finish with Nico Hülkenberg at the British Grand Prix.
As part of the transition, Sauber Motorsport AG will become Audi Motorsport AG, while the team’s facilities in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK will continue to play key roles in the project.
A Striking 2026 Livery Incoming
Audi has already teased fans with a concept livery, featuring carbon black, a bold new Audi red, and a historical nod to the legendary Auto Union Type C. The brand previously stated its ambition to field “the most striking car on the grid”, with the Berlin launch set to reveal the final race-ready design.
The January 20 unveiling comes just weeks before Formula 1’s new technical era, which will introduce redesigned chassis, new power units, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. With its first official launch now confirmed, Audi has entered the final phase of preparation for one of the most anticipated debuts in modern Formula 1 history.
