Auto Union was founded in 1932, during the Great Depression, as a merger of four struggling automotive firms: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer.[2] The following year, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler announced a state-sponsored motor racing programme with Mercedes-Benz.[3] Upon request from Ferdinand Porsche, Hitler agreed that competition between two German firms would improve their chances of victory and national glory; an annual 500,000ℛℳ (£40,000; £2,480,000 in 2025) prize for the most successful car between Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz was announced, eventually rising to 3,125,000 ℛℳ (£250,000; £15,470,000 in 2025) and prompting a heated rivalry.[4]
In August 2022, Audi announced that it would enter Formula One as a power unit manufacturer in 2026—the planned year for a regulation overhaul.[14][15] That October, Audi confirmed its rumoured partnership with Sauber, acquiring a stake in the company for a full rebrand and power unit deal.[16][17] In November 2024, the Qatar Investment Authority purchased a minority stake in the team.[18] The investment was described as a "substantial minority" stake in Sauber Holding AG, with Audi and QIA stating that the funding would support the expansion of personnel and facilities ahead of the team's planned 2026 entry.[19][20][21]
Veteran driver Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto joined Sauber on separate multi-year contracts from 2025 onwards, thus becoming Audi's driver lineup upon its debut.[22][23][24]Neel Jani was signed as a simulator driver to assist with car development.[25][26] By July of that year, Sauber opened the Sauber Motorsport Technology Centre in Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire,[27][28] with the aim of attracting specialised personnel to join the team in the "Motorsport Valley" region of England. The technology centre aims to complement the primary headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland, where the chassis is constructed.[28] Audi signed a multi-year deal with British financial technology company Revolut to become the title sponsor of the team.[29][30] In December 2025, the team unveiled its official Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo, while Sauber Motorsport AG was set to be renamed Audi Motorsport AG as part of the transition.[31]
At the team's Berlin launch in January 2026, Audi said it had begun a five-year plan aimed at challenging for championships by 2030.[32] Audi debuted at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in 2026 with the R26, designed for new chassis and power unit regulations.[33]Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg qualified 10th and 11th respectively. Bortoleto finished the race in 9th place, scoring Audi's first ever points in Formula One, while Hülkenberg was unable to take the start due to technical issues. Roles were reversed in China, with Bortoleto unable to start as Hülkenberg brought home a P11, after unfortunate safety car timing. The unluckiness of the safety car continued in Japan, where Hülkenberg brought home another P11, while Bortoleto settled for 13th after a poor start.
Team information
Constructor personnel
From its establishment, Jonathan Wheatley was the inaugural team principal of Audi.[31] Following his departure in March 2026, project head Mattia Binotto was appointed Team Principal.[34]James Key serves as Audi's Technical Director.[35]
On 24 April 2026, it was announced that Allan McNish, the current Director of the Driver Development Programme, would assume the role of Racing Director, being accountable for trackside operations at a Grand Prix weekend. In addition, Mattia Binotto's title was changed to CEO and Team Principal of the team.[36]
Although World Championship races held in 1952 and 1953 were run to Formula Two regulations, constructors who only participated during this period are included herein to maintain Championship continuity. Constructors whose only participation in the World Championship was in the Indianapolis 500 races between 1950 and 1960 are not listed.
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