The Audi R26 has become the first 2026 Formula 1 car to make its on-track debut. The new single-seater ran today at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, taking advantage of the 200 kilometres allowed for the first filming day. Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto took turns at the wheel, while some initial technical choices were already visible.
Audi completed its first on-track day of the 2026 season at the Barcelona circuit. The Montmeló filming day took place behind closed doors, but media attention was understandably huge. It could hardly have been otherwise, given that this marked the first outing of the Audi Revolut F1 Team and, more importantly, the first test of a 2026-spec Formula 1 car. Weather conditions were favourable, with sunshine and temperatures reaching around 18 degrees Celsius, allowing the team to run in more than acceptable conditions, especially considering that this was an early-January test.
In a short statement, Audi confirmed that the R26 shakedown was completed successfully. Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto shared the 200 kilometres available during a filming day, equivalent to 42 laps of the circuit. “It was an opportunity to verify the full functionality of the car ahead of the start of the season,” Audi explained. “The team’s focus was not on handling or performance, as these aspects will be addressed during the pre-season tests scheduled in Barcelona at the end of the month.”
As tradition dictates, the first images and a few video clips captured from outside the Spanish circuit quickly emerged. The black livery, with the bodywork still in unpainted carbon fibre, highlighted the four rings on the engine cover, the historic Audi emblem. From the clearest photos, a push-rod layout appears to be used for both the front and rear suspension. According to those present outside the circuit in sections where parts of the track are visible, the R26 left the pit lane shortly after 10:00, completing its first out-lap without any issues.
For the team, this represented a positive first outing. There is no official data available, but the fact that Audi has run so early compared to the competition is significant, as is the achievement of logging trouble-free mileage. This is far from guaranteed at the dawn of a new technical cycle that has forced teams to design an entirely new chassis and power unit package. Next on Audi’s agenda is the official livery presentation, which will take place in Berlin on 20 January.
Audi’s early appearance on track sends a powerful message to the rest of the paddock, proving that their integration with the former Sauber factory and their new power unit program is operating at full speed. By completing 200km without reported reliability issues, the German manufacturer has secured a valuable head start in data collection before the official pre-season tests begin. As the 2026 era officially kicks off, all eyes will now turn to Berlin on January 20 to see the final colors that will represent Audi’s ambitious debut in the pinnacle of motorsport.
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