Audi has officially revealed the car that will mark its long-awaited entry into Formula 1 as a factory team. The German manufacturer presented its 2025 challenger at a launch event in Berlin, completing the transition from Sauber ownership to full Audi branding. With Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto behind the wheel, the team combines veteran experience with fresh talent as it embarks on its maiden season under the iconic four-ring badge.
Silver livery marks new era for German manufacturer
The C45 chassis showcases Audi’s traditional silver colour scheme, a design choice that connects the Formula 1 project to the brand’s rich motorsport heritage. The livery features silver as the dominant colour across the front section, complemented by black accents that create visual contrast. The rear portion of the car introduces red elements, creating a three-tone design that distinguishes Audi from the rest of the grid.
The colour combination reflects Audi’s corporate identity while attempting to create a distinctive visual presence in the paddock. Silver has historically been associated with German racing teams, most famously with Mercedes during their dominant period in Formula 1. By adopting this traditional colour scheme, Audi signals its intent to establish itself as a serious manufacturer competitor in the championship.
The launch event in Berlin attracted prominent figures from across motorsport, underlining the significance of Audi’s entry into Formula 1. The German capital provided a fitting backdrop for the unveiling, representing Audi’s home market and its commitment to showcasing the project on a major stage. The presentation marked the culmination of years of planning and investment as Audi transforms the former Sauber operation into a full factory team.
Hülkenberg leads experienced-rookie partnership
Nico Hülkenberg joins Audi after spending the 2024 season with Haas, where he demonstrated consistent performance that convinced the German manufacturer to secure his services. The 37-year-old brings extensive Formula 1 experience to the fledgling operation, having competed for teams including Williams, Force India, Renault and Racing Point throughout his career. Hülkenberg’s technical knowledge and development skills will prove crucial as Audi navigates the complexities of establishing a competitive Formula 1 programme.
Gabriel Bortoleto arrives in Formula 1 as one of the most highly-rated young drivers in motorsport. The Brazilian won the 2024 Formula 2 championship, showcasing race craft and consistency that impressed Audi’s management team. At just 20 years old, Bortoleto represents a long-term investment for Audi, providing the team with a driver who can grow alongside the project as it develops over the coming seasons.
The pairing creates an intriguing dynamic between experience and youth. Hülkenberg’s role extends beyond pure driving duties, as he will guide car development and help establish working procedures within the team. Bortoleto, meanwhile, must adapt quickly to Formula 1’s demands while contributing his own perspective on car behaviour and performance. This combination mirrors successful rookie-veteran partnerships seen throughout Formula 1 history.
Transition from Sauber completes Audi’s takeover
The reveal represents the final step in Audi’s acquisition of the Sauber team, a process that began with the initial announcement in 2022. The German manufacturer has invested heavily in upgrading facilities at the team’s Hinwil base in Switzerland, installing new equipment and recruiting additional personnel to support its Formula 1 ambitions. The transformation from privateer team to manufacturer-backed operation required extensive restructuring across technical, commercial and sporting departments.
Audi’s decision to enter Formula 1 stems from the championship’s pivot toward sustainable technologies and hybrid power units. The current power unit regulations, which emphasise electrical energy recovery and efficiency, align with Audi’s broader corporate strategy focused on electrification and advanced powertrain technology. Formula 1 provides a global platform for Audi to demonstrate technical innovation while competing against rival manufacturers.
The team operates under the Kick Sauber name for 2025 as contractual obligations from previous sponsorship agreements remain in effect. From 2026 onwards, when new power unit regulations take effect, the operation will race purely as Audi, fielding its own engine alongside the chassis. This staged approach allows the team to establish itself on the grid before taking on the additional complexity of powertrain development.
Technical challenge ahead for inaugural season
The C45 chassis represents Audi’s interpretation of the current technical regulations, which have been in place since 2022. The car must generate downforce through ground effect aerodynamics while managing the strict budget cap that limits spending across all teams. Audi’s technical team, led by experienced Formula 1 engineers, has worked to create a competitive package despite the inherent challenges facing a rebranded operation.
The 2025 season presents a steep learning curve as Audi adjusts to Formula 1’s relentless development race. Unlike established teams that have refined their design philosophies over multiple seasons under the current regulations, Audi must rapidly build knowledge and establish effective development processes. The team’s progress throughout the season will determine whether it can close the gap to midfield competitors or faces a difficult year of consolidation.
Audi’s engineering resources and manufacturing capabilities provide advantages that few privateer teams possess. The manufacturer can leverage expertise from its road car division and other motorsport programmes to accelerate learning and solve technical challenges. However, Formula 1’s unique demands and the budget cap’s restrictions mean that financial muscle alone cannot guarantee success, requiring smart allocation of resources and efficient development processes.
Championship expectations for maiden campaign
Realistic goals for Audi’s first season centre on establishing competitive foundations rather than immediate success. The team aims to score points consistently and demonstrate progress throughout the campaign, building momentum ahead of the crucial 2026 regulations change. Competing in the midfield battle against teams like Alpine, Haas and Williams would represent a successful outcome for the inaugural year.
Hülkenberg’s experience positions him as the likely points scorer during the early races, as he can maximise the car’s performance while Bortoleto adapts to Formula 1’s intensity. The German driver’s qualifying prowess and racecraft could yield surprise results at circuits where the C45’s characteristics suit the layout. Strategic opportunities during chaotic races may also present chances for strong finishes.
The 2025 season serves as preparation for Audi’s long-term objectives, which include fighting for podiums and eventually challenging for championships. The introduction of Audi’s own power unit in 2026 represents the true beginning of the manufacturer’s Formula 1 project, when technical philosophy and engineering approach will be fully expressed. Success in 2025 depends on building solid foundations that support sustained progress in subsequent seasons.
