The Audi R26 is Audi’s first full Formula One car, designed and built to compete in the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship under the new technical regulations. It marks Audi’s formal entry as a constructor and power unit manufacturer, replacing Sauber’s predecessor and kicking off a major motorsport project. The R26 will debut with drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at the Australian Grand Prix, showcasing Audi’s advanced hybrid technology and engineering capability.
Audi R26: Chassis and Safety Structure
The Audi R26’s chassis is a state-of-the-art carbon fibre composite monocoque incorporating a survival cell with a honeycomb structure. This design delivers high rigidity and crash protection while keeping weight low, essential under the 2026 minimum weight regulations. The monocoque includes intrusion-protected areas, energy-absorbing crash structures at the front, sides, and rear, and the mandatory halo secondary roll structure to protect the driver’s head.
The cockpit is fitted with a bespoke carbon-fibre racing seat and a multi-point safety harness, ensuring maximum driver protection at high speeds. Engineered for both performance and safety, this structure meets the latest FIA standards and contributes to car stability and driver confidence.
Audi R26: Aerodynamics and Bodywork
The R26’s aerodynamic package is developed around the 2026 Formula One rules, which emphasize simplified bodywork and active aero systems for closer and more competitive racing. The bodywork comprises carbon-fibre aerodynamic components, including movable front and rear wings that adjust between high-downforce and low-drag modes depending on cornering or straight-line conditions.
This active aerodynamic capability replaces older systems like the Drag Reduction System (DRS) and helps balance downforce and drag dynamically. The simplified floor design and revised wing geometries reduce sensitivity to turbulent air, enhancing performance in wheel-to-wheel racing. These aerodynamic solutions are tailored to maximize mechanical grip and efficiency across diverse tracks.
Audi R26: Power Unit and Hybrid System
At the heart of the Audi R26 is the Audi AFR 26 Hybrid TFSI power unit, a 1.6-litre, direct-injection turbocharged V6 engine coupled with an advanced hybrid system. Under the 2026 regulations, the engine works in tandem with the MGU-K electric motor, which recovers kinetic energy under braking and delivers a significant electric boost during acceleration.
The revised hybrid architecture eliminates the MGU-H and expands the electric contribution, with the system’s architecture aimed at roughly equal splitting of power between the internal combustion engine and electrical drive. This hybrid focus enhances efficiency, responsiveness, and regenerative performance, making energy deployment a crucial factor in race strategy and overall lap pace.
Audi R26: Fuel, Lubricants, and Tyres
The Audi R26 runs on 100% advanced sustainable fuel, part of Formula One’s commitment to carbon-neutral racing by 2030. This fuel, supplied by BP, is designed to maintain performance while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuels. Engine lubricants are provided by Castrol, optimized for the high thermal and mechanical loads of modern F1 engines.
For tyres, the R26 uses Pirelli P Zero compounds for dry conditions and Cinturato compounds in wet weather, fitted to 18-inch wheels, consistent with the 2026 tyre regulations. These elements work together to balance grip, durability, and efficiency over race distances.
Audi R26: Team and Debut
The Audi R26 will race under the Audi Revolut F1 Team banner, representing Audi’s full return to Formula One as both constructor and engine supplier. Drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will campaign the car, beginning at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
The R26 also marks the first Hinwil-based car to use BP fuel and Castrol lubricants since 1995, and the first non-Ferrari–powered Hinwil entry since 2009. Audi’s entry reflects its broader ambitions to compete at the highest level and develop technologies relevant to future sustainable mobility.
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