Audi Formula Racing are a German constructor fielding Nico Hulkenberg (car #27) and Gabriel Bortoleto (car #5) in 2026, with chassis development in Hinwil, Switzerland and power unit work in Neuburg, Germany. Backed by the Volkswagen Group and Audi’s motorsport heritage of 13 Le Mans victories, Audi took over the former Sauber team, which had competed in F1 since 1993 and scored 27 podium finishes across three decades.
For 2026, Audi field Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Hulkenberg, with over 200 Grand Prix starts and a reputation as one of the most technically gifted drivers on the grid, leads the lineup with the experience and development acumen needed to guide a new manufacturer through its inaugural season. Bortoleto, the young Brazilian talent, brings impressive junior credentials and youthful energy to complement Hulkenberg’s methodical approach.
The Sauber team that Audi has absorbed brought 31 years of F1 experience, with notable drivers including Kimi Raikkonen, Robert Kubica, Felipe Massa, and Sergio Perez all competing for the Swiss-based operation. Kubica’s victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix while driving for BMW Sauber remains one of the team’s most celebrated results. The infrastructure at Hinwil, Switzerland, has been significantly expanded and modernized under Audi ownership with new simulation tools, an upgraded wind tunnel, and a wave of engineering hires from rival teams.
Audi’s own power unit, developed at their Neuburg facility in Germany, is one of the most anticipated technical packages on the 2026 grid. The new regulations, with their emphasis on electrical power and efficiency, align with Audi’s automotive expertise in electrification. This is a generational project, with Audi committed to a multi-year development plan rather than expecting immediate championship contention.
Audi are registered as a German constructor, with their chassis operation in Hinwil, Switzerland, and power unit development in Neuburg, Germany. The Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, just across the border, offers the closest venue for German fans, with a 14:00 CEST start in late June. Check Germany time for local race start times throughout the season.