MUNICH, Germany—Audi's long-awaited Formulation 1 staff gave the world its first have a look at what the Audi R26 will seem like when it takes to the observe subsequent yr. Nicely, kind of—the automobile you see here's a generic present automobile for the 2026 aero laws, however the livery you see, plus the sponsors' logos, will race subsequent yr.
“By getting into the head of motorsport, Audi is making a transparent, bold assertion. It's the subsequent chapter within the firm's renewal. Formulation 1 might be a catalyst for the change in direction of a leaner, quicker, and extra revolutionary Audi,” mentioned Gernot Döllner, Audi's CEO. “We aren't getting into Formulation 1 simply to be there. We need to win. On the similar time, we all know that you simply don't turn into a prime staff in Formulation 1 in a single day. It takes time, perseverance, and tireless questioning of the established order. By 2030, we need to combat for the World Championship title,” Döllner mentioned.
Jonathan Gitlin
After the sophisticated liveries of vehicles just like the R18 or Audi's Formulation E program, the R26 is refreshingly easy.
Jonathan Gitlin
Jonathan Gitlin
Not one of the sponsors have been introduced but, so the automobile is naked for now.
Jonathan Gitlin
Jonathan Gitlin
The view Audi hopes its rivals get subsequent yr.
Jonathan Gitlin
Not one of the sponsors have been introduced but, so the automobile is naked for now.
Jonathan Gitlin
The view Audi hopes its rivals get subsequent yr.
Jonathan Gitlin
I'll admit, once I first noticed the photographs Audi despatched forward of time, I used to be a bit underwhelmed, however in particular person, as you strategy it from totally different angles, it makes much more sense. The design is greater than a bit minimalist, juxtaposing straight-edged geometric blocks of colour with the aerodynamically curved bodywork they adorn. The titanium references Audi's newest idea automobile, and the crimson—which is nearly fluorescent in particular person—is an all-new shade known as Audi Pink. It's used to focus on the automobile's numerous air intakes and appears actually fairly efficient.
Why F1?
After an extended and wonderful historical past in sportscar racing and rallying earlier than that, Audi's motorsports actions just about evaporated within the wake of dieselgate after which a short Formulation E program. Then in early 2022, Volkswagen Group revealed that after a long time of “will they, gained't they” hypothesis, not one however two of its manufacturers—Audi and Porsche—could be getting into F1 in 2026. (The Porsche cope with Pink Bull would later disintegrate.)
