Audi’s long-awaited Formula 1 journey has officially moved from concept to concrete, with the first images of the R26 on track in Barcelona now emerging.
The shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya marks a major milestone for the German manufacturer, following the completion of Audi’s takeover of Sauber.
The first chance for us to see and hear a 2026 F1 car on track as Audi completes a shakedown in Barcelona 👀🔊
(via @robertofunoat) pic.twitter.com/shBeUZS8Ed
— Autosport (@autosport) January 9, 2026
Under the leadership of Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, the project is rapidly gathering momentum ahead of its full-time F1 debut in 2026.
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto both took turns behind the wheel on Friday as Audi used one
of its two permitted 100km filming days.
While running was restricted under FIA regulations — capped at 200km and completed on Pirelli demonstration tyres — the session provided the first real glimpse of Audi’s future on the F1 grid.
The Barcelona outing also serves as a prelude to an unofficial multi-team test later this month, before the sport heads to Bahrain for official pre-season testing in February.
As expected, Audi has remained tight-lipped on how the initial shakedown went, with no confirmation yet on reliability, performance or early issues.
Despite Audi’s vast motorsport pedigree, including 13 Le Mans 24 Hours wins and four World Rally Championships, this marks the brand’s first-ever Formula 1 entry since the championship began in 1950.
The R26 will be officially unveiled on January 20 in Berlin, with Hülkenberg partnered once again by Bortoleto, who enters his second F1 season after an eye-catching rookie year.
