Photo: Race Pictures

Audi drivers react to first RS26 shakedown: 'The rings are rolling!'

17:01, 10 Jan

byTobia Elia

Audi drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg shared their very first impressions after the RS26 hit the track in Barcelona.

“9th of January 2026 and the rings are rolling. Fantastic effort”

- Nico Hulkenberg

Taking to social media at the end of what was a historic day for the German marque, Hulkenberg summed it up with a few simple yet meaningful words: “9th of January 2026 and the rings are rolling. Fantastic effort.”

The team-mate then added in a follow-up: “So happy to finally get this journey underway! First day on track with Audi.”

In line with filming day regulations, Audi’s two drivers shared the mileage equally, completing no more than 100 kilometres each as the team focused on initial system checks — from power unit functionality to the integration of all key components.

Mexico City, Mexico, Thursday 23 October 2025 - Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Sauber in the FIA Press Conference - Photo: Race Pictures

Audi shares first sharper glimpse of 2026 challenger on social media

Ahead of the official unveiling scheduled for January 20 in Berlin, the German outfit has already offered an early glimpse of what to expect from its 2026 challenger.

Although the running was carried out behind closed doors, a handful of images still found their way into the public domain, with Audi itself posting a photo of the car on Instagram.

The move underlined just how preliminary this version remains, with the final race-spec machine set to look markedly different when it lines up in Australia.

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