Everything you need to know about the Audi F1 team including engine and driver line up after Sauber buyout

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Audi joined the Formula 1 grid in 2026 following its buyout of the Sauber team a year earlier. Here’s everything you need to know about the sport’s newest manufacturer-backed outfit.

The iconic German automotive brand officially made its F1 debut at the start of the 2026 season, completing its long-anticipated takeover of Sauber.

The transition followed a period of change for the Swiss team, which had been rebranded as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in 2024 after the end of Alfa Romeo’s five-year title sponsorship. Audi’s arrival marked a full works transformation, ushering in a new era for the Hinwil-based operation.

Just two months before pre-season testing began in January 2026, Audi unveiled the concept livery for its challenger, the R26. Speaking at the launch, CEO Gernot Döllner said: “Audi’s Formula 1 story is just beginning, but motorsport has always been part of who we are.”

Audi aims for ‘the most striking car on the grid’ with R26 livery

Audi unveiled the livery for the Audi R26 Formula 1 car, with the company sharing that the design will spearhead a “new brand identity” for the manufacturer.

The stark design ties Audi’s motorsport history with modern design, featuring colours previously seen on the team’s Auto Union Type C car, with the titanium on the R26’s nose.

Dollner told The Race that design “has always been an integral part of Audi’s DNA”, adding that the team have a “very very strong legacy with the Concept C” with the R26 F1 car being “the second one of our radical next design philosophies”.

Towards the back of the car, there is a more modern carbon black and “Audi red” colour palette, which is a striking switch from the R26’s front half.

Audi have said that the R26’s visual identity comes from their four new design principles: “clear, technical, intelligent and emotional”, with Audi CCO Massimo Frascella adding: “The Audi R26 Concept is one of the first expressions of this new design system. We want to have the most striking car on the grid.”

Notably, the R26 concept livery did not feature the team’s 2026 sponsorships, including title partner Revolut or the Audi teamwear supplier Adidas.

This was because Audi wanted to highlight their focus on the team’s strong identity, as well as their hopes for the future of the German manufacturer’s Formula 1 team.

Who are the Audi Formula 1 team’s drivers in 2026?

With Audi taking over the former Sauber F1 team, the team’s 2025 drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto remained in their seats as they enter the team’s new era in 2026.

The team did not undergo an overhaul of the main part of the team heading into 2026, opting to keep both drivers who have contracts until at least the end of next season.

Mattia Binotto joined the team as the head of the Audi F1 project at the start of 2025, having left his role as Ferrari team principal three years earlier. However, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, it was announced that team principal Jonathan Wheatley would be leaving his role, resulting Binotto stepping into the position.

Binotto said that the Audi takeover is “the most exciting project in motorsports” before revealing that his goal would be to see the team fighting for championships by 2030.

Audi confirm Jonathan Wheatley’s exit – Who should take over as their team principal?

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Who is Audi replacing in 2026 and how many teams will be on the grid?

Audi will replace the Sauber team on the 2026 grid, having completed a full takeover of the team at the start of 2025.

According to MotorSport magazine, the German manufacturer purchased the team for somewhere around £353 million ($450m), although official figures have not been disclosed.

The takeover deal means that Sauber will become Audi next season, so there will not be an additional team joining the grid.

With Cadillac also making their debut in 2026, there will be 11 teams lining up on the track for the Australian Grand Prix at the start of March.