Formula 1 News: Audi Revolut F1 Team Roars to Life – A Bold New Chapter
Berlin, Germany – January 20, 2026 – In a electrifying display of innovation and ambition, the Audi Revolut F1 Team officially burst onto the Formula 1 scene today, marking the dawn of a new era for the German automotive giant in the pinnacle of motorsport. After years of behind-the-scenes groundwork, the team unveiled its inaugural livery and visual identity at the historic Kraftwerk Berlin, transforming the former power station into a futuristic stage alive with light, sound, and high-octane energy.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The choice of Berlin—a city synonymous with cutting-edge technology, culture, and progress—was no accident. It underscored Audi’s intent to redefine motorsport’s boundaries and engage a broader audience far beyond the traditional F1 fanbase. The immersive event brought together industry insiders, media, and partners for the first glimpse of the team’s ecosystem, from the striking race car to branded merchandise. And in a fan-friendly twist, the Kraftwerk experience will open to the public tomorrow, January 21, for those lucky enough to have won tickets through a ballot.
A Declaration of Intent: Audi’s Vision for F1 Dominance
At the heart of the launch was a clear message from Audi’s leadership: this isn’t just participation; it’s a full-throttle pursuit of excellence. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi Motorsport AG, set the tone with a passionate declaration.
“Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi,” Döllner said. “Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motorsport, and we are here not just to compete, but to define the future of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’ This project is a catalyst for our entire company, a symbol of our transformation towards a more performance-driven, efficient, and innovative culture. Our philosophy is one of absolute, long-term commitment. We understand that success in Formula 1 demands relentless perseverance and Audi Revolut F1 Team is not here to make up the numbers; we aim to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030.”
This ambitious timeline reflects Audi’s deep investment in the sport, building on its storied motorsport heritage from Le Mans triumphs to rally dominance.
Unveiling the R26: Design Meets Performance
The star of the show was the R26 race car, clad in the team’s definitive livery for the 2026 season. Drawing from Audi’s fresh design philosophy—clear, technical, intelligent, and emotional—the car boasts a sleek titanium finish that exudes elegance, accented by exposed carbon fiber for a raw, performance-driven edge. Vibrant Lava Red highlights and the iconic Audi rings—reserved exclusively for this F1 venture—add a bold, unmistakable flair.
This aesthetic isn’t confined to the track; it permeates the entire team identity. From paddock apparel to the motorhome and pit garage, everything features clean lines, brushed surfaces, and those signature red accents, creating a cohesive and striking presence.
Powerhouse Partnerships Fuel the Journey
The launch also spotlighted Audi Revolut F1 Team’s key collaborations, starting with title partner Revolut. Sharing a mindset of disruption and innovation, Revolut brought interactive flair to the event, allowing guests to design custom cards on-site. Expect more unique activations kicking off at the season opener in Melbourne.
Another highlight was the reveal of the team’s bespoke race and lifestyle clothing line, co-developed with official partner adidas. Extending the livery’s design principles to the crew’s gear, the collection emphasizes clarity and precision for a unified look. Fans can snag pieces starting February 19 via the team’s new e-commerce platform—with seamless Revolut Pay integration—or through adidas’ online store and select retailers. Limited-edition drops will blend motorsport edge with everyday fashion.
Leadership and Drivers: Building a Championship Contender
Guiding this venture are seasoned F1 veterans Mattia Binotto, Head of Audi F1 Project, and Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal. They detailed the team’s integrated structure, spanning power unit development in Neuburg, Germany, to chassis work in Hinwil, Switzerland, and Bicester, UK.
“The strategic decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is our single greatest asset,” Binotto explained. “We have spent the last few years meticulously building not just a power unit in Neuburg but laying the foundations for a technical organisation that binds our chassis development in Hinwil and Bicester. This seamless integration gives us total control over our destiny, eliminating compromises and enabling a level of agility and innovation that is essential for success. This is what makes Audi Revolut F1 Team one vision, controlling every variable from the engine block to the front wing. This is the foundation upon which championships are built.”
Wheatley echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the human element. “This car is the physical embodiment of thousands of hours of hard work from a hugely talented group of people across our facilities,” he said.
“Today, we start this journey with immense pride, but also with humility. This is just day one of a long campaign. Our mission is to embed a championship DNA into every fiber of this team. A culture of resilience, precision, and relentless curiosity where we stop at nothing to find performance. For everyone here, the excitement comes from this challenge: to build a team that gets stronger with every lap, every debrief, and every race. We will turn our long-term ambition into on-track reality, day by day, decision by decision.”
The drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and rising star Gabriel Bortoleto, shared the stage, radiating enthusiasm for the project.
“Having been in the Formula 1 paddock for many years, you learn to distinguish between ambition and capability,” Hulkenberg noted. “What I feel here today is a profound seriousness and an incredible energy that sets this team apart. We are a true works team with a clear, long-term vision backed by immense resources and world-class expertise. For a driver, the proposition of being with Audi at the very start of its journey is exceptionally exciting. We have the chance to build something very special together, and I am looking forward to get this car on the track in Melbourne.”
Bortoleto, making his F1 debut, added a personal touch. “To race for the Four Rings, a brand that has such an iconic and victorious history in motorsport is, quite simply, a dream come true,” he said. “You grow up hearing about the dominance of Audi at Le Mans and in rallying, and to now be chosen to carry that legacy into Formula 1 is an unbelievable honor. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I feel the weight of the responsibility, but more than that, I feel an incredible motivation to learn, to push, and to grow with this team. I am ready to give my absolute all to help write this great chapter for Audi Revolut F1 Team.”
As the lights dimmed on Kraftwerk Berlin, one thing was clear: Audi Revolut F1 Team isn’t just entering Formula 1—it’s here to reshape it. With a blend of heritage, innovation, and unyielding determination, the team eyes the 2030 World Championship as its ultimate prize. The road ahead is long, but the engine is revving, and the journey has just begun.