In pictures: Audi's first day on track in Barcelona

History was made at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday as the Audi Revolut F1 Team became the first of the 2026 grid to give their new challenger, the R26, a proper shakedown.

This wasn't just a casual outing; it was a high-stakes "handshake" between Audi's brand-new power unit and its Hinwil-built chassis.

Both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto shared the cockpit during the 200km filming day, marking a massive milestone for the four rings as they transition into a full works outfit.

While the car sported a sleek, "all-black" testing look, don't let the stealth mode fool you – this project is screaming toward its official debut.

This early outing was only the beginning. Audi will officially unveil its race livery in Berlin on January 20, before opening the doors to fans the next day in a rare public celebration of a factory team’s birth.

The images released by Audi are all about atmosphere rather than detail – fleeting moments from the team’s first day on track, with – understandably – no close-up views of its R26 contender.