Audi unveiled its R26 Formula 1 car in Berlin, marking a full-scale entry into the sport for 2026. Team head Mattia Binotto cautioned that the debut season will be "very bumpy," as the German manufacturer builds its own power unit and infrastructure from scratch. The team is transitioning from the Sauber operation.

Despite the early challenges, Audi's CEO Gernot Dollner has set an ambitious long-term target: fighting for championships by 2030. Binotto, the former Ferrari boss, explained that the five-year timeline is needed to establish a complete works team. New team principal Jonathan Wheatley echoed this, stating they are starting from a "humble beginning" but aiming to become a finely honed championship contender.

The 2026 season begins with pre-season testing in January, followed by the Australian Grand Prix in March. Audi's path involves competing against established giants like Mercedes and Red Bull, who already have mature operations. The team's progress will be closely watched as they navigate new regulations and their own ambitious timeline.