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Audi’s first fire-up of its new power unit in its 2026 chassis was a milestone that gave the team “incredible energy,” according to the head of its Formula 1 project Mattia Binotto.
The former Sauber team has been taken over by Audi as a full constructor starting from this coming season, marking the arrival of a brand-new power unit supplier in F1. Audi’s project has been ongoing for a number of years but the power unit and chassis combination first fired up successfully in late December.
“A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning,” Binotto said. “It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve.”
The first Audi car will hit the track alongside the rest of the grid during a private shakedown in Barcelona at the end of this month, before pre-season testing officially begins in Bahrain in February.
“This successful fire-up is a critical milestone that validates the quality of the work and collaboration across all departments,” team principal Jonathan Wheatley said. “It energizes the entire team and provides a clear focus as we prepare for the next phases of development, including the moment we first bring the car to track. This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we will build on this foundation as one united team.”
The wider F1 project has been regularly backed by Audi CEO Gernot Dollner, who sees the team’s upcoming entry as a focal point for the company as a whole.
“For Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand’s ongoing renewal,” Dollner said. “This milestone is a clear demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition. It is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organization.
“This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm. With the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history.”
Audi will officially launch its 2026 season – including full race livery – on Jan. 20 in Berlin, six days before the start of the Barcelona shakedown.
