Audi ignite their F1 future with first fire-up of 2026 car

Audi have taken a major step toward their Formula 1 debut after successfully completing the first fire-up of their 2026 car, a milestone moment that signals the true beginning of the project. The fire-up took place on December 19, 2025, at the team’s Hinwil facility in Switzerland, marking the first time the Audi power unit was run while fully installed in the chassis.

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The achievement is the result of a fully integrated collaboration between Audi’s powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany, the chassis team in Hinwil, and the newly established Technical Centre in Bicester, UK. Together, the three locations have laid the groundwork for Audi’s entry into Formula 1, timed with the arrival of the sport’s new technical regulations in 2026.

Audi leadership framed the moment as far more than a technical checkpoint. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of Audi Motorsport AG, described Formula 1 as a core pillar of the brand’s ongoing renewal, stating that the milestone clearly reflects Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” philosophy. He emphasized that the project is already acting as a catalyst for change across the company, generating pride, identity and momentum.

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Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, highlighted the symbolic weight of the moment, calling the fire-up “a new beginning.” He noted that seeing the entire system come together for the first time injects energy into the team and confirms that a solid foundation has been built for what is expected to be a long-term journey defined by continuous development.

Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley echoed that sentiment, describing the successful fire-up as a critical validation milestone that confirms the quality of the work across all departments. With this step complete, focus now shifts toward the next development phases and the first on-track running, with Audi’s Melbourne debut coming sharply into view.

Audi will unveil their full race livery at a global launch event in Berlin on January 20, before joining the rest of the field for private pre-season testing in Barcelona from January 26–30. With the first fire-up complete, Audi’s Formula 1 future is officially alive.