Home
Audi have taken another decisive step toward their long-awaited Formula 1 entry, unveiling major branding and launch plans as the German manufacturer gears up for its debut season in 2026. With the countdown officially underway, the project is rapidly shifting from concept to concrete reality.
The team will compete under the name Audi Revolut F1 Team, marking a significant milestone in Audi’s takeover of Kick Sauber’s place on the grid.
The title partnership with global fintech company Revolut, confirmed earlier this year, now forms the backbone of Audi’s Formula 1 identity as it prepares for the new power unit regulations coming into force in 2026.
Audi’s preparation has been methodical and expansive. Since announcing its intention to join Formula 1 in 2022, the brand has worked closely with Sauber to strengthen infrastructure across Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Those upgrades are designed to ensure competitiveness from the very first race of the 2026 season, which is set to open in Australia.
The collaboration with Revolut extends beyond naming rights. According to the team’s announcement, the partnership is built on shared ambitions of innovation and performance, with plans to introduce new fan engagement models.
These include app-based benefits for Revolut users, fan activations at races, and exclusive access initiatives. Revolut Pay will also be integrated into Audi’s online store, while the fintech firm’s financial expertise will support operations under Formula 1’s strict cost cap.
Leadership continuity remains a central pillar of Audi’s strategy. Jonathan Wheatley will continue as Team Principal, while Mattia Binotto serves as Head of the Audi F1 project.
On track, the team will field Nico Hulkenberg alongside Gabriel Bortoleto, combining experience with emerging talent.
Wheatley emphasized the importance of the announcement, 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.”
Another headline development is Audi’s confirmation of its official team launch. The event will take place in Berlin on January 20, 2026, featuring an immersive showcase built around the brand’s core pillars of clarity, technical intelligence, and emotion.
The full race livery will be revealed at the private event, followed by a public opening the next day. Fans have already had a glimpse of Audi’s design direction through an early concept livery revealed in November, highlighting titanium, carbon black, and Audi red.
Binotto described the launch as a defining moment, saying it “will be the first moment we stand together as a collective and invite our global fan base to join us.”
While Audi’s rebrand places its identity firmly at the forefront, the team will retain the Sauber Holding AG and Sauber Technologies AG names, honoring the legacy of Peter Sauber.
ADVERTISEMENT
