The definitive 2026 Audi Revolut F1 Team guide. Exploring the R26 works engine, the Hülkenberg & Bortoleto pairing, and the historic Hinwil legacy.
Operating across a tripartite European structure-including the historic Sauber chassis headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland, a brand-new power unit facility in Neuburg, Germany, and a growing technical centre in Bicester, UK-the Audi Revolut F1 Team makes its highly anticipated debut in 2026. The famous German marque's arrival as a full factory outfit marks one of the biggest automotive entries in Formula 1 history.
Led by Mattia Binotto (Head of Audi F1 Project), who is also covering Team Principal duties following Jonathan Wheatley's departure on 27 March 2026, Audi has completed its 100% takeover of the Sauber group. Driven by German veteran Nico Hülkenberg and Brazilian sensation Gabriel Bortoleto, the four rings are ready to conquer the pinnacle of motorsport.
Whether you are looking to support the team's historic debut at the Australian Grand Prix, hunting for Gabriel Bortoleto's wildly popular #5 gear, or searching for the latest sleek Audi Sport teamwear, this is your definitive guide to Audi’s Formula 1 entry and official track gear.
Audi Revolut F1 Team: Fast Facts
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base | Hinwil (Chassis), Neuburg (Power Unit) & Bicester (Tech Centre) |
| First F1 Entry | 2026 (as Audi) / 1993 (as Sauber) |
| Team Principal | Mattia Binotto (interim, from 27 March 2026) |
| Constructors' Championships | 0 |
| Drivers' Championships | 0 |
| 2026 Drivers | Nico Hülkenberg (#27) & Gabriel Bortoleto (#5) |
| Title Sponsor | Revolut |
1. The 2026 Audi Challenger
Unlike teams that buy off-the-shelf customer engines, Audi entered Formula 1 with a mandate to build its own bespoke power unit from scratch.
- **Car Name:** R26
- **Power Unit:** Audi AFR 26 Hybrid (1.6L V6 Turbo Hybrid with expected 350kW MGU-K)
- **Technical Leadership:** James Key (Technical Director)
- **First Race:** 2026 Australian Grand Prix
- **Key Innovation:** The monumental task of integrating a ground-up, brand-new Audi works engine built in Germany with a completely overhauled active-aero chassis designed in Switzerland.
2. The Neuburg Power Unit Program
The Audi Formula Racing GmbH facility in Neuburg an der Donau was massively expanded to develop the AFR 26 Hybrid. With the 2026 rules demanding a near 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine and the electrical battery system, Audi capitalized on its extensive hybrid technology experience from Le Mans and Formula E to hit the ground running. As a true works team, their chassis and engine departments are completely dedicated to each other, a capability shared only by full factory teams.
3. Why Audi Chose Formula 1
To understand Audi's massive investment, you must look at the 2026 rulebook. The new regulations demand a significant increase in electrical power output while mandating the use of 100% sustainable fuels. Audi explicitly stated that this regulation shift perfectly aligned with their global road-car technology strategy. By using Formula 1 as the ultimate high-speed laboratory, Audi aims to directly transfer hybrid innovations and battery efficiency learnings from the track to their consumer vehicles.
4. The 2026 Driver Lineup & Signature Gear
Audi has opted for the classic Formula 1 team-building blueprint: pairing immense veteran feedback with explosive rookie potential.
Nico Hülkenberg (Car #27)
The German veteran was Audi's first major signing, brought in specifically to develop the car. Having finally scored his long-awaited maiden F1 podium at Silverstone in 2025 during the team's Kick Sauber transition phase, "The Hulk" is the experienced anchor of the team. Look for his #27 Driver Caps and Audi Sport-branded trackside apparel, which are huge sellers in the domestic German market.
Gabriel Bortoleto (Car #5)
The Brazilian prodigy, who won back-to-back F3 and F2 titles, enters his second season in Formula 1. Securing Bortoleto was a massive coup for Audi, and his #5 Flat-Brim Cap is driving immense merchandise sales across South America as fans eagerly rally behind Brazil's newest motorsport star.
5. Audi Trackside Essentials
Shedding the neon green of the transitional "Kick Sauber" era, the 2026 Audi Revolut F1 Team apparel collection reflects the sleek, premium aesthetic of the German automaker. Featuring minimalist silver, black, and the iconic four rings, the gear is engineered for both the paddock and the street.
Shop the 2026 Official Collection:
- **Audi R26 Official Team Cap:** The definitive fan item, featuring a clean aesthetic with the iconic four rings and Revolut branding.
- **Audi Sport Team Polo:** A premium, tailored polo blending motorsport heritage with corporate elegance, matching the pit wall attire of Mattia Binotto.
- **Audi Trackside Jacket:** A sleek, all-weather layer designed for the grueling European race calendar.
- **Gabriel Bortoleto Tribute Gear:** Special-edition apparel celebrating Brazil's newest F1 star.
6. The Vintage Collection: The Sauber Heritage
While Audi is technically a new entrant, they purchased a team with a beloved, 33-year history in Formula 1. Retro gear from the Hinwil squad's past iterations remains highly collectible.
**The BMW-Sauber Era (2006–2009):** The era of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld. Original white-and-navy BMW-Sauber pit crew shirts are prized collector's items.
**The Alfa Romeo Era (2019–2023):** The deep red and white apparel worn during Kimi Räikkönen’s final years in the sport remains a modern classic among fans.
7. Diecasts & Scale Models
The debut of a massive brand like Audi has the scale-model community on high alert.
- **The 2026 Audi R26:** Direct fans to highly anticipated 1:18 and 1:43 scale launch models of the R26 by Spark and Minichamps.
- **BMW-Sauber F1.08:** Robert Kubica's 2008 Canadian Grand Prix-winning car remains the Hinwil factory's only victory to date, making it a legendary piece for any serious F1 diecast collector.
8. Team History & The Audi Takeover
Peter Sauber founded his eponymous team in 1970, entering F1 in 1993. Over three decades, Sauber earned a reputation as one of the sport's most resilient independent constructors, famed for discovering generational talents like Kimi Räikkönen, Felipe Massa, and Charles Leclerc.
In 2022, the Volkswagen Group finally gave Audi the green light to enter Formula 1. Recognizing the immense difficulty of starting a team from scratch, Audi systematically acquired 100% of the Sauber Group. Following a transitional two-year period running under the "Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber" banner, the transformation was completed in 2026 with a brand-new technical structure led by Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley. On 27 March 2026, Wheatley departed the team with immediate effect. Mattia Binotto is covering Team Principal duties in the interim while the team seeks a permanent appointment.
FAQ: Audi Revolut F1 Team
Where can I buy authentic Audi F1 merchandise?
Authentic Audi F1 gear can be purchased through the official Audi Sport store, the team webstore, and licensed motorsport retailers like Fanatics.
Who drives for Audi in the 2026 F1 season?
The 2026 lineup features German veteran Nico Hülkenberg (Car #27) and Brazilian rising star Gabriel Bortoleto (Car #5).
Where is the Audi F1 team based?
The team operates across three sites: chassis development in Hinwil (Switzerland), power unit manufacturing in Neuburg (Germany), and a growing technology centre in Bicester (UK).
Did Audi buy Sauber?
Yes. Audi acquired 100% of the Sauber Group to serve as the foundation for their official factory Formula 1 entry in 2026.