Audi has its first official running of the 2026 F1 car – the RC26 – in Barcelona, as it shares some glimpses of the shakedown after AI images spread out.
Audi became the first F1 outfit of 2026 to run its new car as part of shakedown at Barcelona on Friday, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto present along with the important figures of the team, which includes Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley.
The day started out with AI images of the base car in black livery, as videos started to roll in from few corners at a distance. Reports noted that they ran a basic F1 2026 car, with focus on checking out the power unit and its function. It is the first track run for a brand new V6 engine from Audi.
The team shared bare minimum from the day, with no mention of who took the car out when and how did the shakedown panned out. With limited kilometers to run, the German team perhaps only used the running to check all the system working in harmony, with the new tyres.
“We’re officially rolling,” said Audi in a brief message on its social media. “A milestone moment in Barcelona as the R26 hit a racetrack for the very first time. First day. First laps. First chance for our drivers to experience the car. The road ahead starts right here.”
Here’s video: https://x.com/robertofunoat/status/2009602247320305855?s=20
Here’s Audi sharing info on fire-up
Here’s Jonathan Wheatley on Sauber/Audi juggle