Audi complete first fire-up of 2026 F1 car

Audi has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards the 2026 Formula 1 season, successfully completing the first fire-up of its new car. On December 19, 2025, at the Hinwil facility, the Audi power unit was run for the first time while fully integrated into the chassis, marking a crucial step in its debut preparations following the takeover of Kick Sauber. This accomplishment is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Audi's powertrain division in Neuburg, the chassis team in Hinwil, and the new Technical Centre in Bicester. The manufacturer is now poised for its global launch event in Berlin on January 20, where the full race livery will be revealed, followed by a private pre-season test in Barcelona.