Audi launches 2026 F1 project: first car on track ahead of Barcelona tests. Audi has officially kicked off its 2026 Formula 1 season.

F1 | Audi kicks off 2026: first F1 car hits the track ahead of official tests

The Audi Formula 1 team has officially launched its 2026 season by putting its first F1 car on track, beating the official pre-season testing in Barcelona. Here’s a detailed look at the team’s debut and what it means for the new era of Formula 1.

Ahead of the competition

Everything is now set for the start of Formula 1’s new era. In less than a month, teams will be engaged in the official pre-season testing sessions in Barcelona, where the first on-track data will emerge for these radically redesigned cars. However, by moving earlier than the rest of the grid, Audi is taking a major step in its journey to join Formula 1 in 2026: the car will complete its first kilometers on track in the coming days, well ahead of the official tests.

A historic entry for Audi

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 will see the German manufacturer become an official constructor by taking over the Sauber team. This project is among the most ambitious F1 undertakings in recent years. The new technical regulations, which overhaul both aerodynamics and power unit design, provide Audi with a unique opportunity to debut in a more balanced competitive environment, where all teams start from a blank slate.

Filming day marks the first step on track

The filming day scheduled for January 9 will not provide definitive answers about performance, but it signals the beginning of a new phase in which the project moves beyond theory and planning and finally confronts the asphalt. For Audi, the road to the 2026 Formula 1 season has officially begun, setting the stage for a historic debut in the sport.

As the countdown to the new regulations intensifies, all eyes will be on how the established giants respond to this bold early move from the German newcomer. Whether this head start translates into a competitive advantage remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the landscape of Formula 1 is about to change forever. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates, technical analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights from the paddock as the 2026 era draws near.