- By Pawan Mishra
- Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Audi Formula 1 Debut: Audi, the German luxury and performance car manufacturer, made its Formula 1 debut on March 6, 2026, at the Australian Grand Prix, which is being held in Melbourne. Audi also completed the first practice session successfully, with Niko Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto completing two sessions in their R26 cars. Hulkenberg and Bortoleto also unveiled the new Audi RS5 at the brand’s Formula 1 debut.
Audi Rs 5 Unveiled
Audi Revolut team drivers, Niko Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, also unveiled the new Audi RS 5 during the brand’s Formula 1 debut event. The world premiere of the Audi RS 5 was held on February 19, 2026. The new Audi RS 5 is the first-ever RS model to feature a hybrid drive system. The hybrid system used in the car is inspired by the new generation Formula 1 car, that draw around 50 per cent of its power from an electric system.
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Audi RS 8 With Crocodile Design
The brand also brought the Audi RS 8 with a crocodile design to its F1 debut. This is the same car that won the “Race of a thousand years” title in the year 2000 in Adelaide. The car was taken out of the museum for the Audi tradition, and one of the winning drivers from the “Race of a thousand years”, Allan McNish, drove it in Melbourne. Notably, Allan is also responsible for the Audi Driver Development Programme.
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Formula 1: more than just motorsport for Audi
“The start of our first Formula 1 season marks the beginning of a new chapter for Audi – both on and off the track,” says Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “We aim to demonstrate what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal. In this sport, where every millisecond counts, efficiency is crucial. It teaches us that focused, precise teamwork makes us strong. We face the challenges with courage and view this project as a driving force and motivating example to become better every day.”