Photo: Audi Media Center

First 2026 F1 car spotted on track in Barcelona as Audi begins shakedown

13:45, 09 Jan

Updated: 16:13, 09 Jan

byTobia Elia

The very first images of the R26 on track in Barcelona have emerged — the car that will mark Audi’s debut in Formula 1 in 2026.

With the Sauber takeover now finalised, the Germanoutfit is rapidly closing in on its long-awaited Formula 1 debut.

Today’s on-track running at Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya — which will also host pre-season testing later this month — represented a significant milestone for the project spearheaded by Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley.

In line with filming day regulations, running was limited to a maximum of 200 kilometres, with the car fitted with special Pirelli demonstration tyres rather than the compounds due to be used during the 2026 campaign.

For now, no details have emerged on how the shakedown unfolded — whether the team encountered any early teething issues or if everything ran smoothly according to plan.

The car’s official presentation, meanwhile, is scheduled for 20 January in Berlin, with the driver line-up once again featuring veteran Nico Hulkenberg alongside Gabriel Bortoleto, who enters his second F1 season following an impressive rookie campaign last year.

Photo: Audi MediaCenter

Binotto boasts Audi trait Red Bull doesn't have for F1 2026

The 56-year-old sounded cautiously upbeat, acknowledging how difficult it is to draw direct comparisons between the two power units. That said, Binotto highlighted Audi’s deep well of experience in engine development, expressing confidence that it will pay dividends over time.

He also moved to temper expectations around the Audi engine, insisting that the excitement has been slightly overblown. Binotto urged patience, reminding that 2026 will represent Audi’s first-ever season in Formula 1.

Read the full story here.

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