‘This marks a new beginning’ – Audi complete first fire-up of 2026 F1 car

Audi have confirmed that they have successfully fired up their 2026 F1 car for the first time, marking a milestone moment as the manufacturer prepares for their debut following their takeover of the former Kick Sauber outfit.

The fire-up – which took place at the team’s Hinwil facility on December 19, 2025 – was the first time that the Audi power unit has been run while installed in the chassis.

Audi have heralded the moment as being the product of a collaboration between their powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany, alongside the chassis team in Hinwil, Switzerland, and the new Technical Centre in Bicester, UK.

The milestone also signals the latest step in the outfit’s preparations for 2026, a season in which a wave of new technical regulations will come into effect.

Gernot Dollner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport AG, commented: “For Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand’s ongoing renewal. This milestone is a clear demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition.

“It is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organisation. This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm.

“With the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history.”

Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, added: “A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil.

“Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve.”

Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team, also said: “This successful fire-up is a critical milestone that validates the quality of the work and collaboration across all departments.

“It energises the entire team and provides a clear focus as we prepare for the next phases of development, including the moment we first bring the car to track. This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we will build on this foundation as one united team.”

Audi will host their global launch event in Berlin on January 20, where their full race livery will be presented before the team join the rest of the field for a private pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30.