Audi is preparing to give the motorsport world its first real glimpse of its Formula 1 future, with the German manufacturer set to roll out its inaugural F1 car far earlier than many expected. The brand’s debut challenger for the 2026 season is scheduled to hit the track this Friday at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, marking a significant milestone in Audi’s long-anticipated entry into the sport.
Our car launch official date 20th Jan 2026 🚨🖤🩶❤️ #audif1 pic.twitter.com/yZRyQN3hAs
— Audi F1 Racing Team (@audi_f1stars) December 15, 2025
The early appearance will take place during a limited shakedown session, using one of the two filming days permitted to each team per season under Formula 1 regulations. While the run will be strictly functional rather than performance-focused, it represents the first time Audi’s F1 project will be seen in motion on a Grand Prix circuit.
Audi confirmed earlier this week that it successfully completed the first full power-up of its Formula 1 power unit and chassis combination on December 19 at its Hinwil headquarters in Switzerland. That milestone cleared the path for the next phase of development, allowing the team to move swiftly toward its initial on-track outing.
During the Barcelona shakedown, Audi will be limited to a maximum of 200 kilometers, equivalent to 42 laps, and will run on special Pirelli demonstration tires rather than standard race compounds. The primary focus will be systems checks, reliability validation, and gathering early data on how the car behaves under real-world conditions.
The timing of the shakedown is notable given the scale of regulatory change arriving in Formula 1 for the 2026 season. The new rules introduce a dramatic shift in car design and power unit philosophy, featuring a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, the use of 100 percent sustainable fuel, and the introduction of active aerodynamics. With so many unknowns, early track time is considered invaluable.
Following the filming day, Audi’s car is expected to make its official competitive debut at the first of three pre-season test sessions, scheduled to take place in Barcelona from January 26 to January 30. Those tests will offer a clearer picture of how Audi’s engineering approach stacks up against established teams adapting to the same regulations.
Before that, Audi is planning a formal launch event in Berlin on January 20, where the team is expected to unveil the car publicly and outline its long-term vision for Formula 1. The event will likely serve as both a technical presentation and a statement of intent as Audi prepares to become a full works entry in the championship.
Audi’s accelerated timeline suggests a high level of confidence in its preparation and infrastructure. While the shakedown itself will not reveal performance secrets, it signals that Audi’s Formula 1 project is moving decisively from development to execution, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched debuts in recent F1 history.