Tomorrow in Berlin, an event will take place that has already stirred the entire motorsport world: Audi is set to officially unveil its Audi Revolut F1 team and reveal its car for the 2026 season. This is more than just another presentation — it marks the beginning of a new era for the German automotive giant, who is determined not just to participate, but to seriously challenge for Formula 1 supremacy. Much of the intrigue surrounding the event stems not only from fan anticipation, but also from the level of secrecy still maintained around many details.
Organizers promise more than a standard launch: the presentation will take the form of an immersive show featuring digital technology and light effects. The spotlight will be not only on the car itself, but also on the team’s new philosophy, built around its partnership with fintech giant Revolut. This collaboration is already being hailed as one of the most ambitious in Formula 1 history.
Partnership and structure
A key feature of the new team is its integration with Revolut, which goes far beyond traditional sponsorship. The company’s logo will appear on the car’s bodywork, but even more significant is the introduction of digital solutions into the team’s daily operations and fan engagement. Financial transactions, merchandise purchases, and access to exclusive content will all be handled through a single platform, promising fans an entirely new experience.
Audi’s technical base is spread across three countries: Germany is responsible for developing the hybrid power unit, Switzerland focuses on the chassis, and the United Kingdom handles innovative solutions and testing. In December 2025, a working prototype of the race car was assembled and tested for the first time in Hinwil, Switzerland, marking a major milestone for the project. Engineers say the synergy between departments is already paying off, and the team is prepared to meet the challenges of the new regulations.
Drivers and Management
The Audi Revolut F1 driver lineup commands respect, even among skeptics. German veteran Nico Hülkenberg, renowned for his expertise in car development, will mentor young Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, who is entering his second season in Formula 1. This duo offers both stability and a fresh perspective—a rare combination for a debuting team.
The technical division will be headed by Jonathan Wheatley, known for his commitment to continuous improvement. Under his leadership, the team is banking on flexibility and quick adaptation to the changes the 2026 season will bring. According to team insiders, the goal is not just to secure a place in the midfield, but to quickly become podium contenders.
Design and Mysteries
The most closely guarded secret is the appearance of the R26 car. Although the concept car has already surfaced in the news, the final design remains under wraps until the very last moment. The car is expected to retain Audi’s signature colors—white, black, and red—but there will also be surprising accents: yellow highlights and elements referencing Revolut’s digital identity. This approach is designed not only to make the team stand out on the track but also to emphasize the innovative nature of the project.
The launch promises to be a true spectacle: organizers are hinting at the use of light installations and digital effects to maximize the audience’s emotions during their first look at the new car. Still, no one knows exactly how the final version will look—the intrigue will last until the very last minute.
Technical challenges
The main question on the minds of experts and fans alike is how competitive Audi’s new power unit will be compared to the established leaders—Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull-Ford. The new regulations demand greater electrification and a switch to fully sustainable fuel, setting extremely tough tasks for the engineers.
Despite massive investments in test benches and software, no one can yet predict how Audi’s hybrid system will perform in real racing conditions. Some analysts believe that the team may lag behind its rivals in the ‘maturity’ of its software solutions at the beginning of the season, but Audi is confident that its technological strengths and fresh perspective will quickly help close the gap.
Exclusive for fans
Tomorrow’s event is not just the debut of the car, but also a showcase of new opportunities for fans. The management of Audi AG and representatives from Revolut will announce special privileges for users of the fintech platform: access to restricted areas at Grand Prix events, exclusive content, and even a dedicated app for fans. This approach could redefine what fan engagement means in Formula 1.
The entire industry is closely watching how Audi carries out its ambitious plan. The team has already made it clear: the goal is not just to participate, but to fight for the title by 2030. Whether this remains a bold statement or becomes reality remains to be seen, but the opening act will take place tomorrow in Berlin.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Audi is one of Germany’s largest car manufacturers and a member of the Volkswagen Group. The company is known for its innovations in hybrid and electric technology, as well as its active involvement in motorsport. In Formula 1, the brand will debut with its own project, joining forces with an international team of engineers and the technology partner Revolut. Entering the F1 market is part of Audi’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the premium segment and promote new digital services for customers worldwide.
