Audi’s first fire-up of its new energy unit in its 2026 chassis was a milestone that gave the crew “unbelievable vitality,” in line with the pinnacle of its System 1 venture Mattia Binotto.
The previous Sauber crew has been taken over by Audi as a full constructor ranging from this coming season, marking the arrival of a brand-new energy unit provider in F1. Audi’s venture has been ongoing for a variety of years however the energy unit and chassis mixture first fired up efficiently in late December.
“A hearth-up is at all times a particular second, however this one marks a brand new starting,” Binotto stated. “It’s the tangible results of our collective ambition and the devoted work of our groups in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing all the things come collectively for the primary time offers the complete venture unbelievable vitality. We now have constructed a strong basis for what shall be a protracted journey, outlined by our relentless drive to enhance.”
The primary Audi automotive will hit the monitor alongside the remainder of the grid throughout a personal shakedown in Barcelona on the finish of this month, earlier than pre-season testing formally begins in Bahrain in February.
“This profitable fire-up is a important milestone that validates the standard of the work and collaboration throughout all departments,” crew principal Jonathan Wheatley stated. “It energizes the complete crew and gives a transparent focus as we put together for the following phases of improvement, together with the second we first carry the automotive to trace. This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we’ll construct on this basis as one united crew.”
The broader F1 venture has been repeatedly backed by Audi CEO Gernot Dollner, who sees the crew’s upcoming entry as a focus for the corporate as a complete.
“For Audi, getting into System 1 is a key a part of our model’s ongoing renewal,” Dollner stated. “This milestone is a transparent demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition. It’s the results of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that may function a guiding instance for the complete Audi group.
“This venture is a catalyst for change, fostering satisfaction, identification, and enthusiasm. With the fire-up, the onerous work of the groups in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now really involves life, marking the start of an thrilling new chapter in Audi’s motorsport historical past.”
Audi will formally launch its 2026 season – together with full race livery – on Jan. 20 in Berlin, six days earlier than the beginning of the Barcelona shakedown.
