P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi achieves “critical milestone” with successful fire-up of its 2026 F1 car.
The new Audi Revolut F1 Team achieved a significant milestone by firing up its 2026 Formula 1 car for the first time at the team’s Hinwil base on December 19. This action marked the installation of Audi’s in-house power unit in the chassis, marking an important step towards the manufacturer’s debut under the new Formula 1 regulations. Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, expressed his excitement, stating that the fire-up signifies a new beginning for the team. Team principal Jonathan Wheatley highlighted the milestone’s importance in validating the quality of work and collaboration across all departments, energizing the team for future development phases and the upcoming race in Melbourne. Audi’s entry into F1, following the takeover of Sauber, includes commitments to its power unit and fielding drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg in 2026. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner described the fire-up as a symbolic moment for the brand, signifying a new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history and ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition. Audi’s upcoming global launch event in Berlin on January 20 will reveal the official race livery before the first pre-season test in Barcelona later that month.
