A first 2026 F1 car is set to hit the track tomorrow

Audi’s first ever Formula 1 car will take to the track as early as 9 January at Barcelona, Motorsport understands.

The brand-new R26 will perform a filming day with drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at the wheel.

This means Audi will likely be the first team to get some track time in F1’s new era, as the world championship moves to new regulations featuring active aerodynamics on the chassis side and a greater emphasis on electric power on the engine side.

This is especially significant for Audi, which is joining F1 as a power unit supplier this year – only for its factory team, previously known as Sauber, which the German brand fully acquired in 2024.

Regulations regarding filming days – known as Promotional Events in the sporting regulations – mean the R26 will be able to cover up to 200km, which equates to a maximum of 42 laps at the Catalan track. It will be fitted with Pirelli’s demonstration tyres, which are different to the compounds used in official tests and grands prix.

Each team is allowed two filming days this year, and Audi’s rivals are widely expected to make the most of them as they shake their new cars down ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Audi will host its season launch in Berlin on 20 January, ahead of the first pre-season test from 26-30 January, also taking place at Barcelona.

Additional reporting by Oleg Karpov