What ‘Spanish spies’ noticed when watching Audi’s first-ever F1 lap in Barcelona

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Audi became the first F1 team to run their 2026 car on track at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday.

It’s a commendable feat given that Audi are one of two newcomers on this year’s grid alongside Cadillac. They have been able to use the Sauber infrastructure, having bought the historic Swiss team, but they have still had to build their own power unit.

Auto Motor und Sport believe that German driver Nico Hulkenberg had the honour of inaugurating the car at the long-standing F1 venue, which will also host the first pre-season test later this month.

The rules allow F1 teams to complete two filming days over the course of the year, though mileage is capped to 200 kilometres, the equivalent of 42 laps. Audi were also running Pirelli’s demo tyres, rather than the Grand Prix rubber.

Audi ran all-black livery in first F1 shakedown

For Audi and Red Bull Powertrains above all, reliability is paramount in the early running. While every manufacturer is taking a step into the unknown with the new power units, which are almost 50% electric, Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda all have decades of experience across different eras.

‘Unconfirmed reports’ suggest that the first lap was completed without issue, much to the relief of the team staff in attendance. The engine was recently fired up for the first time but had also been tested on a bench.

The countdown is on — which 2026 challenger are you most excited to see? 👀

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At the time of writing, Audi have not issued any comment on the test. It took place with the ‘highest security level’ possible, though ‘Spanish spies’ did notice that the car was running in an unpainted, all-black livery, aside from the ‘Four Rings’ logo on the rear wing.

Because Audi don’t want to give anything until the competition – for as long as it can be avoided – they aren’t expected to publicise many details. On a warm and dry day in Barcelona, they were able to log some representative initial data.

When are Audi launching their 2026 F1 car?

Audi will be the fourth team to hold a 2026 launch. As it stands, Red Bull and sister team Racing Bulls will reveal their liveries first, followed by Haas.

It’s worth noting that most teams will likely use show cars or digital renders rather than revealing the aerodynamic profile of their challengers.

AMuS also expect Ferrari and Williams to be on track before the behind-closed-doors Barcelona test, utilising one of their allocated filming days.