Audi is set to place its first true marker down in Formula One’s new era, with its 2026 challenger scheduled to hit the track in early January. Destination Formula 1 understands Audi’s brand new car, the R26, will run for the first time as early as 9 January at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya.
The outing will take place during a filming day, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto sharing driving duties. While officially classed as a promotional event, the significance of the test goes far beyond marketing. It will represent the first time Audi’s Formula One car runs on track under its own power, combining its in house power unit with the chassis developed at Hinwil.
A First Step Into a New Era
The 2026 season marks one of the biggest technical resets in Formula One history. Chassis regulations introduce active aerodynamics, while the power unit rules place far greater emphasis on electric deployment and efficiency. For Audi, which enters Formula One as both a factory team and power unit manufacturer, early track running carries added importance.
Unlike established manufacturers, Audi does not have legacy Formula One data to lean on. Every lap matters. Getting the R26 on track in early January gives engineers valuable real world correlation data before the wider pre season programme begins.
This is particularly significant given Audi’s dual role. The German brand is not supplying customer teams. Its power unit has been developed exclusively for its factory operation, formerly known as Sauber, which Audi fully acquired in 2024.
Filming Day Limits and What Audi Can Learn
Under Formula One sporting regulations, filming days, officially known as Promotional Events, are limited in scope. The car is allowed to cover a maximum of 200 kilometres, which equates to around 42 laps of the Barcelona circuit.
The R26 will also run on Pirelli demonstration tyres rather than official race or test compounds. While that limits outright performance analysis, the value of the session lies elsewhere.
Engineers can validate system integration, cooling behaviour, power unit response, gearbox operation and basic aerodynamic functionality. Early checks like these reduce the risk of major issues emerging later during official testing, when time becomes far more precious.
Every team is permitted two filming days per season, and Audi’s rivals are expected to use both opportunities aggressively as they prepare for the new ruleset.
Why Being First Matters
While being first on track does not guarantee performance, it does provide a developmental head start. Early running allows teams to identify unexpected issues sooner, refine operating procedures and adjust development priorities before pre season testing begins.
For Audi, the psychological benefit is also real. Seeing the car run successfully on track represents a milestone moment for a project that has been years in the making. It turns concept into reality.
The data gathered at Barcelona will feed directly into final preparation for the first official test, also scheduled to take place at the same venue later in the month.
A Busy January for Audi
Audi’s on track debut will be followed closely by its formal season launch, which is set to take place in Berlin on 20 January. The event will officially present the team, its branding and its ambitions ahead of its first Formula One campaign.
Just days later, the first pre season test of the year will begin from 26 to 30 January, again at Barcelona. By that point, Audi aims to arrive with a clearer understanding of its baseline package and fewer unknowns than would otherwise be possible.
For Hulkenberg and Bortoleto, the early filming day also offers valuable seat time. Hulkenberg brings experience and technical feedback, while Bortoleto begins the process of adapting to Formula One machinery at the highest level.
Closing Thoughts
Audi’s plan to run the R26 as early as 9 January underlines the seriousness of its Formula One project. This is not a symbolic entry. It is a fully committed factory effort, built around preparation, structure and long term intent.
Early laps will not define Audi’s 2026 season, but they will shape it. In a year where adaptation speed matters more than ever, Audi is making sure its learning process starts as soon as possible.
