P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Audi F1 car ‘comes alive’ after successful test
Audi has confirmed that they have fired up their maiden car in F1 for the first time, ahead of their official launch scheduled for January 20, as they take over from Sauber for the 2026 season. The German manufacturer is building their own power units for the first time. The momentous occasion took place on December 19 at the team’s facility in Hinwil, Switzerland, described as a deeply emotional moment as the car came alive for the first time. Audi’s entry into the sport coincides with Cadillac’s debut, but the groundwork laid down by Sauber positions Audi strongly for the future years. CEO Gernot Döllner emphasized that entering Formula 1 is pivotal for Audi’s brand renewal, reflecting their ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition. Team boss Mattia Binotto expressed that the fire-up signifies a new beginning and is the tangible result of collective ambition and hard work across departments. Team principal Jonathan Wheatley highlighted that the successful fire-up is a critical milestone, providing energy and focus for future development phases and racing endeavors. The upcoming 2026 season promises excitement with potential Verstappen-Ricciardo reunion teased, where teams are set to use different cars for testing.
