Audi is the first team to operate a genuine 2026 Formula 1 car.
Mileage was capped at 200 kilometres.
Audi has quietly become the first Formula 1 team to test a genuine 2026-spec car, completing a private rollout in Barcelona last Friday. Grainy videos and spy shots circulating online depict an all-black vehicle operating at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, featuring no sponsors and only Audi's four-ring logo on the rear wing.
Significantly, this is not a modified 2025 Sauber. The car is thought to be Audi's first true 2026 chassis, designed entirely around the new regulations and the brand-new Audi power unit.
Security was reportedly stringent as the car took to the track shortly after 10 am local time on January 9, with Audi choosing not to disclose much about the event. Observers at the track noted that the initial installation laps were completed without any issues. Both factory drivers were in attendance, with Nico Hulkenberg widely believed to have been the one to accomplish the historic first laps, succeeded later by teammate Gabriel Bortoleto.
Due to filming day regulations, the mileage was restricted to 200 kilometres, utilizing Pirelli demo tires instead of race-spec slicks. The next public milestone will occur on January 20 in Berlin, when the team is expected to reveal its final livery, followed by group testing that starts in Barcelona on January 26.
In other news, Alpine has reportedly delayed a planned filming day due to holdups related to engine data from Mercedes.
Other articles
Dunne discusses McLaren's departure in light of the interest from Red Bull.
Formula 1 | Alex Dunne has minimized the rumors regarding his surprising choice to exit McLaren's driver development program last year, emphasizing that the decision (…)
FIA schedules a meeting on January 22 as tensions regarding engines escalate.
Formula 1 | The FIA has announced a technical meeting scheduled for January 22 with Formula 1 engine manufacturers, following rising concerns regarding the interpretation of the new (...)
Wolff halts Mercedes' side projects during title drought.
Formula 1 | Toto Wolff has announced that Mercedes is ending its diversification efforts and is refocusing entirely on Formula 1, as the team (…)
Rovanpera's initial shortfall is 'not unexpected.'
Formula 1 | Kalle Rovanpera's inaugural complete race weekend in formula cars came to a sudden halt in New Zealand, but prominent individuals connected to the Finnish driver are expressing (…)
Top F1 drivers face million-euro super licence fees.
Formula 1 | The FIA's fees for super licenses in 2026 are causing the sport's top drivers to exceed the million-euro threshold. Each F1 driver is required to renew a super (…)
Audi is the first team to operate a genuine 2026 Formula 1 car.
Formula 1 | Audi has discreetly made history as the first Formula 1 team to test an authentic 2026-spec car on track, finishing a private rollout away from public view in (…)