First Footage of Audi F1 Car Testing on Track Reveals Key Detail

First footage of Audi testing their car ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season has emerged on social media.

Back in August 2022, it was announced that Audi would enter the sport as a power unit manufacturer in 2026.

In October of 2022, Audi acquired a stake in Sauber and confirmed that the team would be rebranded to Audi F1. Last month, it was announced that the team will officially go by 'Audi Revolut F1 Team'.

For 2026, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will drive for Audi, with Jonathan Wheatley appointed team principal and Mattia Binotto serving as head of project.

With the new season under three months away, Audi were spotted testing their challenger for 2026, the R26, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Reacting on social media, fans were quick to point to the sound of the engine.

One fan said: "Kind of sounds like a Mercedes lol."

Another tweeted: "Blown diffusor vibes."

A third fan added: "Sounds aggressive and louder! This engine has quite some personality!"

Someone else wrote: "Looks promising from hearing that engine sound."

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In addition, as shown on the footage, it was spotted that Audi ran an all-black livery.

Why do F1 teams run 'testing liveries'?

Teams would often be required to run a 'testing livery', as according to Autosport, those who have yet to unveil their 2026 designs must run plain or camouflage cars at the test.

It has previously been explained that using a camo livery can also cause confusion and prevent other teams from 'spying'. Which means teams can hide their cars' 'secrets' for as long as possible.

Red Bull were one of the first teams to run a camo livery during testing, having unveiled a striking look to mask aerodynamic updates back in 2015. At the time, it was stated that the design was influenced by Sebastian Vettel's helmut design.