Audi’s F1 dream comes alive: 2026 power unit roars to life

©Audi

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Audi’s long road to the Formula 1 grid has reached a defining moment: its 2026 power unit has roared into life for the first time.

Last month, at the team’s Hinwil headquarters, Audi-Sauber successfully completed the inaugural fire-up of its 2026 car, marking the first occasion the Audi Power Unit has been run while installed in the chassis.

It is a milestone that signals a shift from drawings and simulations to something far more visceral – a Formula 1 car that now lives, breathes and makes noise.

From Concept to Combustion

A first fire-up is one of the most emotionally charged moments in any F1 programme, and for Audi it represents the culmination of years of planning, engineering and relentless coordination.

The successful ignition validated the integration of the power unit and chassis, bringing together the work of Audi’s powertrain operation in Neuburg, the long-established chassis base in Hinwil, and the team’s new Technical Centre in Bicester.

It is also a crucial technical checkpoint as Formula 1 prepares for the sweeping regulation overhaul coming in 2026. With the power unit now running inside the car, Audi has established a vital baseline from which the next stages of development can accelerate.

Audi's injector test bench at the Neuburg site.

For Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, the moment carried both symbolism and momentum.

“A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning,” commented the Italian.

“It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy.

“We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve.”

A Project Gathers Momentum

The fire-up also underlined the scale of Audi’s commitment to Formula 1 as a cornerstone of the brand’s future. Audi AG CEO and Chairman of Audi Motorsport AG Gernot Döllner described the landmark moment as a powerful statement of intent.

“For Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand’s ongoing renewal,” he said. “This milestone is a clear demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition.

“It is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organisation.

“This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm. With the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history.”

©Audi

On the operational side, Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley also framed the achievement as both validation and motivation as the countdown to Audi’s first race intensifies.

“This successful fire-up is a critical milestone that validates the quality of the work and collaboration across all departments,” said the Briton.

“It energises the entire team and provides a clear focus as we prepare for the next phases of development, including the moment we first bring the car to track.

“This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we will build on this foundation as one united team.”

What Comes Next

With the power unit now proven inside the chassis, Audi’s preparations move into an even more intensive phase.

Attention will soon turn to the global team launch in Berlin on January 20, where the Audi Revolut F1 Team will unveil its full race livery and on-track identity. From there, the spotlight shifts quickly to pre-season testing in Barcelona at the end of the month.

For now, though, the significance of that first fire-up lingers. After years of anticipation, Audi’s Formula 1 dream has crossed a crucial threshold – no longer just a project on paper, but a machine with a heartbeat, inching ever closer to the starting grid in 2026.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.