Audi drivers speak out on private F1 test after 2026 car hits track for the first time | F1 | Sport

Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have spoken out after the organisation’s first Formula One challenger hit the track for the first time ahead of the 2026 season. The German auto manufacturer held a filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the first time a team turned a wheel this year.

With the first pre-season test scheduled for the end of January, teams are ramping up their preparations for the early stages of the new campaign. As other launch events approach, Audi has had its first taste of track action.

Both Hulkenberg and Bortoleto stepped behind the wheel of Audi’s 2026 challenger, the R26, for the filming day, and appeared in high spirits in a video posted to the team’s social media channels from the track in Montmelo.

“Very nice and historic moment to roll out the four rings for the first time in Formula One,” said Hulkenberg, who scored his first-ever F1 podium last season in Sauber’s final year. “Yeah, it was a great feeling for all of us.”

Team-mate Bortoleto, who is preparing for his sophomore season after an impressive rookie campaign, echoed Hulkenberg’s optimism. “It’s incredible to see everyone happy and to see everyone’s effort starting to pay off,” he declared. “We will keep pushing.”

Team principal Jonathan Wheatley was also in high spirits after ticking off another major milestone for the Audi squad. “I take a huge amount of encouragement out of today,” he said from the garage. “You know, it feels massively positive. It’s an amazing day, and I’m feeling all of the positive energy.”

This was Audi’s second significant milestone of the off-season after the team officially confirmed that they had fired up the R26 earlier this month. Wheatley’s squad have also confirmed several high-profile new commercial partners, as well as a title sponsorship deal with Revolut.

“A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning,” Mattia Binotto said after the R26 was put through its paces. “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.”