Audi cements 2026 identity with Revolut title deal and Berlin launch
The German manufacturer has officially confirmed its team name and launch plans, marking a definitive step towards its 2026 debut.
Audi has officially confirmed the name under which it will compete in Formula 1 from 2026, alongside details of a global launch event for its first F1 challenger.
The announcement, made by Formula 1 and Audi on Monday, solidifies the German manufacturer's transition from the current Sauber operation into a full factory effort.
The Key Facts
Why This Matters
Unlike previous manufacturer entries that often operated as engine suppliers or partial partners, Audi is completing a full takeover of the Sauber team. This rebranding to "Audi Revolut F1 Team" signals the end of the transitional "Kick Sauber" era and the beginning of Audi's factory journey.
The choice of Revolut as a title partner aligns with the team's stated goal of targeting a younger, digital-first audience. It also highlights the commercial appeal of the 2026 regulations, which have attracted major global brands before a wheel has even turned.
The 2026 Context
Audi's entry is the headline act of the 2026 regulation cycle. While Ford is returning with Red Bull and Honda is partnering with Aston Martin, Audi is the only *new* manufacturer building both a chassis and a power unit from scratch for this cycle.
The launch event in Berlin on January 20, 2026, will be a significant moment for the sport. It will be the first time we see a true Audi F1 car—not just a show car or a livery concept—intended for competition.
Stability in Leadership
Despite earlier management turbulence, the project has stabilized under Mattia Binotto and incoming Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley. With a driver lineup of Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, the team blends vast experience with promising young talent, a necessary combination for a new manufacturer facing the steep learning curve of Formula 1.