Audi has revealed the livery decals for its first-ever Formula One car, with the livery unveiling held at an event in Berlin, Germany.

Audi began preparing for this moment back in 2022, attracted by lower barriers to entry, the introduction of a cost cap, and new aerodynamic and engine regulations. In other words, Formula 1 is resetting and rebooting for 2026—and, like Windows 11, a number of issues are almost certain to arise.

Audi has a strong racing pedigree in touring car and endurance racing, having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 14 times over the years. Formula 1, however, is very different, where pushing engineering to its absolute limits is not optional but expected.

Modern F1 goes beyond conventional boundaries, with engineering tolerances between success and failure razor-thin. Audi’s senior management and drivers were present at the launch, making bold declarations such as, “We’re not here to make up the numbers” and “We’re here to win.”

It’s fighting talk indeed from a team staffed with experienced F1 engineers and leaders. While the messaging is upbeat, it is also largely theatrical; deep down, they know the year ahead will likely be one of agony, punctuated—if they are fortunate—by a few moments of ecstasy.

Toyota and BMW before them spent hundreds of millions and walked away with little to show for it. Competing in Formula 1 is like fighting for survival in a brutal prison system—one where no one wants to leave until the breaking point is finally reached.

Audi has already completed an initial systems check during a pre-season filming day in Barcelona earlier this month, with Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto leading the driver lineup. For Audi and F1 fans alike, this is exciting news—but Formula 1 is an unforgiving sport that ruthlessly exposes even the smallest flaws.

Pre-season testing is limited to a total of six days and will run during two separate test days, February 11-13 and February 18-20 2026. Both tests will be conducted at the Bahrain International Circuit.