F1 Australian Grand Prix: Audi arrives in Melbourne ready for the ‘challenge’ ahead

Formula 1 is going to look a little different this season.

Not only will the new technical regulations make the cars look different, but the grid has grown by one, as Cadillac joins the sport as the 11th team, and a new team on the grid.

But they are not the only new team.

In addition to Cadillac, Audi has taken over what was once Sauber, as a new works operation for the 2026 season. Years of preparation and work behind the scenes have led to this moment, as the Audi Revolut F1 Team heads to Melbourne to mark their own debut on the F1 grid.

It is a moment that comes with great “pride in what has been achieved so far,” according to team principal Jonathan Wheatley.

“Melbourne marks the culmination of a huge collective effort,” said Wheatley in the team’s media preview. “We have launched a new team, built the first Audi F1 car with our own powertrain and then completed one of the most comprehensive pre-season programmes in recent years. We also finished the first stage of the ambitious refurbishment work we have planned in Hinwil.

“Now, following a busy winter, we arrive at our first Grand Prix as the Audi Revolut F1 Team. There is a great sense of pride in what has been achieved so far, but also an awareness of the challenge ahead. We have a lot of work to do, and a healthy respect for our competitors, but we are making solid progress. This is the start of a long journey, and our focus is on building our team capabilities and executing a clean race weekend,” added the Audi boss.

The team’s driver pairing of Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto returns, as they were the Sauber lineup from a season ago. Hülkenberg scored his maiden podium at the British Grand Prix a year ago — ending a 239-race wait for a podium finish, a new F1 record — while Bortoleto impressed during his rookie campaign.

The pair is looking ahead to a new season, and getting back to racing.

“It’s very exciting to head to Melbourne for the first race of a completely new era and for the debut of Audi Revolut F1 Team. It’s been a long journey and a long time coming but now, finally, we’re here: you can sense the buzz with the team, also back at the factories in Hinwil and Neuburg,” said Hülkenberg. “The amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes has been huge, and now it’s the time to turn that work into action. Albert Park is a unique track, more a street circuit, and I’m not sure it will fully show the potential of all teams: at the same time, it’s a location that can produce chaotic races. It’s the perfect place for the season opener and I am really looking forward to getting back to racing now.”

“Starting a new season is always a great feeling, and this one is obviously special for all of us as we begin our journey as Audi Revolut F1 Team,” said Bortoleto. “Pre-season was important to get comfortable with our new car and properly understand how it behaves under the new regulations: we had good mileage, and I feel we’ve used that time well to tick all the boxes in our programme.

“Now, though, is when things really start to matter. I live for racing and I’m really looking forward to the feeling of a race weekend again. It’s the first race of another long season, my second one in Formula One already, so it will be interesting to face all the circuits again with a better understanding of them: at the same time, the new cars provide a reset for all drivers, no matter the experience – and this could be a good opportunity. Our focus will on building a good rhythm from the start of the weekend and getting the most out of [the] package.”