Audi is set to make a sensational entrance into the world of Formula 1 with the announcement of its team name and the launch date for the 2026 season. The renowned German automotive giant has officially taken the reins of the Sauber team, a strategic move that started with a minority stake acquisition in 2023 and culminated in a full takeover in 2024. This bold transition aligns perfectly with the upcoming technical regulations in F1, where Audi aims to leverage its extensive experience in hybrid powertrains to make a formidable impact on the grid.
Now branded as the Audi Revolut F1 Team, this new identity is anchored by a partnership with Revolut, a prominent British financial technology firm. The collaboration is set to redefine the traditional sponsorship model, as both entities strive to reshape fan engagement through innovative activations, exclusive race access, and unique app-based perks for Revolut users. Audi’s ambitious vision is not just limited to branding; it extends deep into the operational framework of the team, integrating Revolut’s business solutions into its financial operations and enhancing the online shopping experience for fans through seamless payment options.
Mark your calendars! Audi’s exhilarating 2026 campaign is scheduled to kick off in Berlin on January 20, featuring an exclusive launch event that promises to be an “immersive experience.” Following this, fans will have the chance to participate in a public opening on January 21, where the excitement will only build as the team unveils its striking new livery, just days before the highly anticipated pre-season tests in Barcelona from January 26 to 30.
Team principal Jonathan Wheatley expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Today, our project takes on its official identity. The Audi Revolut F1 Team name is a symbol of the combined strength of our teams in Germany, UK and Switzerland, together with our partners. It provides a banner under which we all unite as we build towards 2026.” This pivotal moment not only energizes the team but also crystallizes their long-term ambitions, making them tangible for everyone involved.
As fans eagerly await the on-track debut, the driver lineup has also been confirmed, featuring the seasoned Nico Hulkenberg alongside promising talent Gabriel Bortoleto. Both drivers previously represented the team under the Sauber banner, and they are poised to elevate the team’s competitive edge as they aim to improve upon Sauber’s impressive ninth-place finish in the constructors’ championship, a feat achieved with a record 70 points—an unprecedented achievement for a team finishing in that position in the 21st century.
With the countdown to the 2026 season officially on, the motorsport world watches closely as Audi Revolut F1 Team prepares to take its place among the elite in Formula 1, igniting a new era of racing and fan engagement. The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable—Audi is ready to race!
