Audi’s 2026 F1 Car Makes Its Debut in Barcelona

Audi’s first look at its 2026 Formula 1 car has been shared online, featuring clips from its shakedown session in Barcelona that were uploaded to YouTube.

The vehicle, named R26, completed several laps at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, making Audi the first team to operate its new car ahead of a private test scheduled for late January.

Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto participated in the shakedown, marking the team’s first attempt to test Audi’s inaugural F1 power unit as they embrace their new identity.

Initially, low-quality images surfaced online claiming to showcase the new car, but these turned out to be AI-generated with a blurred effect. However, the YouTube footage from F1 A TODO GAS shows the R26 in action from a distance, revealing some important design features.

Audi subsequently released teaser images of the R26, deliberately keeping certain aspects hidden to maintain the mystery around its design. Notably, next year’s models are 100mm narrower, resulting in a visibly different appearance. Early glimpses highlight a slightly elevated nose and an in-washing front wing, consistent with the FIA’s regulations aiming to manage airflow around the front wing.

A significant design element is the push-rod front suspension system, diverging from the previous pull-rod configurations seen in other teams, such as McLaren and Red Bull. This shift comes as teams adapt their designs to the new regulations focused on maintaining optimal ride height.

While it’s challenging to discern the rear suspension system from the grainy footage, it also appears to feature a push-rod layout. Historically, F1 teams predominantly used pull-rod systems for lower center of gravity but have begun exploring push-rod architectures in recent years. The sidepod design also diverges from earlier trends, hinting at an innovative approach to optimizing airflow.