German carmaker Audi on Wednesday unveiled its brand and livery along with its design concept for the company’s 2026 Formula One debut.

Audi will compete as a factory team in Formula 1 starting next season with German driver Nico Hülkenberg and Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto.

Chief executive Gernot Döllner said the company was making an ambitious statement.

“Our entry into Formula 1 is part of something bigger. It’s the next step in the company’s renewal, designed to strengthen our competitiveness on the global stage.”

Audi was not entering Formula 1 “just to be there,” Döllner said.

“We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”

At an event at the Audi Brand Experience Centre at Munich Airport, the company presented the Audi R26 Concept, offering a glimpse of the design of its new Formula 1 car.

The colour palette features titanium, carbon black and Audi red, and incorporates the company’s four rings logo.

Chief creative officer Massimo Frascella said Audi wants to have “the most striking car” on the grid.

“With our Formula 1 debut, we are introducing a unifying design system to bring together every aspect of our organization. At its core are our four rings. They are the foundation upon which the rest of our brand is built,” Frascella said.

“We want to be the most daring brand off the track. And we want to create a cultural impact that goes beyond the grid.”