Audi turned the primary F1 workforce to place their 2026 challenger via its paces on the monitor.
Audi’s drivers are excited for the 2026 season (Picture: Getty)
Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have spoken out after the organisation’s first System One challenger hit the monitor for the primary time forward of the 2026 season. The German auto producer held a filming day on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the primary time a workforce turned a wheel this yr.
With the primary pre-season take a look at scheduled for the top of January, groups are ramping up their preparations for the early levels of the brand new marketing campaign. As different launch occasions method, Audi has had its first style of monitor motion.
Each Hulkenberg and Bortoleto stepped behind the wheel of Audi’s 2026 challenger, the R26, for the filming day, and appeared in excessive spirits in a video posted to the workforce’s social media channels from the monitor in Montmelo.
“Very good and historic second to roll out the 4 rings for the primary time in System One,” mentioned Hulkenberg, who scored his first-ever F1 podium final season in Sauber’s ultimate yr. “Yeah, it was a terrific feeling for all of us.”
Staff-mate Bortoleto, who’s getting ready for his sophomore season after a powerful rookie marketing campaign, echoed Hulkenberg’s optimism. “It’s unimaginable to see everybody completely satisfied and to see everybody’s effort beginning to repay,” he declared. “We’ll maintain pushing.”
Staff principal Jonathan Wheatley was additionally in excessive spirits after ticking off one other main milestone for the Audi squad. “I take an enormous quantity of encouragement out of at this time,” he mentioned from the storage. “You understand, it feels massively constructive. It’s a tremendous day, and I’m feeling the entire constructive power.”
Audi have a robust driver line-up for 2026 (Picture: Getty)
This was Audi’s second important milestone of the low season after the workforce formally confirmed that that they had fired up the R26 earlier this month. Wheatley’s squad have additionally confirmed a number of high-profile new business companions, in addition to a title sponsorship take care of Revolut.
“A fireplace-up is at all times a particular second, however this one marks a brand new starting,” Mattia Binotto mentioned after the R26 was put via its paces. “It’s the tangible results of our collective ambition and the devoted work of our groups in Neuburg and Hinwil.
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“Seeing all the things come collectively for the primary time offers your complete undertaking unimaginable power. We have now constructed a strong basis for what can be an extended journey, outlined by our relentless drive to enhance.”
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