Audi Revolut F1 Team Launches Driver Development Programme Ahead of 2026 Formula One Entry

Allan McNish appointed Director as Audi strengthens long-term Formula One strategy through youth development

Hinwil, January 23, 2026 – The Audi Revolut F1 Team has announced the launch of its Driver Development Programme, marking a major strategic milestone as the brand prepares for its highly anticipated entry into the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2026. The initiative will be led by Audi motorsport legend and three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish, underscoring Audi’s long-term commitment to building a competitive and sustainable Formula One team.

The Audi Driver Development Programme is a cornerstone of the team’s Formula One ambitions and is designed to identify, nurture and develop the next generation of racing talent. The programme will scout promising young drivers from karting and junior single-seater categories, offering them a structured and transparent pathway to the pinnacle of global motorsport.

Building Future Champions On and Off the Track

Audi’s investment in youth extends beyond driver development. As part of its broader Formula One strategy, the Audi Revolut F1 Team is also focusing on developing young designers, engineers and mechanics, creating a fully integrated ecosystem that supports long-term success both on and off the track.

Participants in the Audi Driver Development Programme will receive world-class training and mentorship, drawing on Audi’s decades of experience at the highest levels of motorsport. The bespoke curriculum is tailored to the modern demands of Formula One and covers on-track performance, driving technique, engineering development, human performance, as well as media and marketing training.

Young drivers will work closely with engineers and specialists from the Audi Revolut F1 Team, gaining early exposure to the culture of precision, performance and innovation that defines the Audi DNA.

Allan McNish Appointed Director of Driver Development

The appointment of Allan McNish as Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme represents a clear statement of intent from Audi. McNish brings a wealth of experience from an illustrious racing career with Audi, combined with senior team management roles in recent years, making him uniquely positioned to lead the initiative.

His long-standing relationship with the brand ensures the programme’s philosophy is closely aligned with Audi’s core values of performance, innovation and continuous improvement.

“To be entrusted with finding the cornerstones of the future Audi Revolut F1 Team is a great honour,” said McNish. “We are not just looking for raw speed; we are looking for resilience, intelligence and a team-driven mindset that defines a future Audi champion. Our goal is to build a pathway that turns potential into precision and performance on the world stage.”

A Key Pillar of Audi’s Formula One Vision

Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley described the programme as a vital element of Audi’s long-term Formula One roadmap.

“Investing in the champions of tomorrow is a key pillar of our Formula One strategy,” Wheatley said. “The Audi Driver Development Programme is a clear statement of our ambition to be competitive and to build a winning team for the future. Under Allan McNish’s leadership, this programme will be integral to our vision for 2030 and Audi’s journey in Formula One.”

As Audi continues to build towards its Formula One debut in 2026, the launch of the Driver Development Programme signals a strong focus on sustainable success, youth development and excellence, laying the foundations for Audi’s future on the world’s biggest motorsport stage.