With the first Grand Prix just weeks away, here’s what you need to know about both outfits’ new look, ambitions and driver line-ups.
Audi Revolut F1 Team Unveils Its 2026 Challenger
German automotive giant Audi officially stepped into Formula 1’s spotlight on 20 January 2026 when it revealed its first full livery and visual concept for the Audi R26 at a launch event in Berlin. The reveal marked the beginning of Audi’s long-term vision – a bold five-year project aiming for championship glory by 2030.
Although the full technical details of the R26 are still tightly guarded, the livery unveiled combines titanium, black and Audi red colours that reflect the brand’s contemporary design philosophy, marrying clear lines with emotional appeal. The actual race-ready R26 has already completed a private filming day and early shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with pre-season testing planned behind closed doors.
What Audi Thinks About the Season
Team leadership has been candid about the task ahead. Project Head Mattia Binotto described the moment as a major milestone, acknowledging that while challenges remain, the team is “ready to grow” and learn in the new regulations era. Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley added that Audi’s goals are ambitious but grounded in careful planning – they’re “not here to mess around.”
Audi is entering Formula 1 with a mix of experience and emerging talent. The driver pairing for the 2026 season features veteran Nico Hülkenberg, a seasoned competitor with over 250 Grand Prix starts under his belt, alongside Gabriel Bortoleto, the young Brazilian Formula 2 champion. Both have expressed excitement about representing Audi’s new era and are focused on extracting performance from the R26 as the season progresses.
Haas F1 Team Reveals VF-26 Livery Ahead of Testing
Meanwhile, Haas F1 Team – now officially branded as TGR Haas F1 Team following a deeper partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing – has also given fans a first look at its 2026 challenger’s design. The VF-26 was shared through digital renders and images on 19 January, with a striking predominantly white, black and red livery that reflects the team’s refreshed identity.
Unlike Audi’s high-profile event, Haas opted for a traditional online reveal ahead of the car’s first track outings planned during the Barcelona shakedown week. Along with the aesthetic update, significant attention has been paid to adapting to the new regulations, which bring changes in car dimensions, aerodynamics and powertrain integration across the grid.
Drivers and Leadership at Haas
Haas retains its driver lineup for 2026, with Esteban Ocon, the experienced French Grand Prix competitor – partnered once again with young Briton Oliver Bearman, who impressed in his first full season. Both drivers bring a balance of experience and raw pace that Haas hopes will help the VF-26 be competitive as the campaign unfolds.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu and the wider Haas leadership have underlined the importance of this season as a step in the team’s long-term growth, especially with the technical collaboration with Toyota now in full effect. The team will use the early pre-season tests to evaluate reliability and refine performance ahead of the season opener in Australia.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With new regulations shaking up technical philosophies and team hierarchies, both Audi and Haas face a defining season. Audi enters as a manufacturer outfit with grand ambitions and a clear roadmap to the top, while Haas seeks to solidify its presence and leverage fresh partnerships to climb the standings. With both teams poised for testing and development in the weeks ahead, eyes will be on Melbourne on 8 March 2026 for the season’s dramatic kickoff.
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