The Formula 1 paddock had a vibrant day behind the scenes on Saturday, with the focus entirely on the first shakedown of the Audi R26 in Barcelona and the reactions of the drivers who drove the car for the first time. The team took a significant step towards its official debut in 2026, showcasing initial details of the car and gathering first impressions from Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who shared the cockpit during the filming day.
During the shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Audi highlighted aspects of the new R26 machine, including its aerodynamic architecture and the integrated systems of the power unit. The overall first impression is that the project follows the technical direction thought out for the new era of Formula 1, with a focus on reliability, drivability, and initial performance tests. On social media, the team released images and details that caught the attention of fans.
Hulkenberg, an experienced driver from Formula 1 who is now part of Audi’s inaugural project, commented on the feeling of driving the new car. He emphasized the importance of every kilometer covered during the shakedown, reminding that it’s still early to draw conclusions about performance, but that it was “excellent to finally feel the car in motion”. For Hulkenberg, these first moments are crucial to validating concepts and preparing the team for the official tests, which begin later this month.
Bortoleto, on the other hand, was emphatic in describing his reaction to hearing the Audi power unit being turned on for the first time. The young driver stated that he felt a “thrill” when he heard the engine, highlighting the emotional impact of the moment. “It’s something that’s hard to describe correctly, the sound is impressive. When the engine was turned on for the first time, I got goosebumps, and all I want now is to drive it for real”, declared the Brazilian, evidencing the excitement surrounding Audi’s new project in Formula 1.
Both drivers also spoke about the importance of the filming day for the entire team, not only as a technical test but as a symbolic milestone in Audi’s journey towards 2026. The sequence of images shows the car in motion, the team’s interaction in the pit lane, and the involvement of the entire structure in what will be one of the most anticipated debuts of the new cycle of the category.
With the shakedown completed, the team now focuses its efforts on the private tests that begin in Barcelona between January 26 and 30, followed by the tests in Bahrain in February. The expectation is that the R26 will evolve rapidly from the information collected, in an environment where every technical detail can make a difference in the next season. The official debut of Formula 1 in 2026 takes place at the Australian GP, scheduled for March 6-8, and promises to be one of the most unpredictable starts to a championship in the recent history of the category.
