Formula 1 Wind in Istanbul: Audi R26 Showcar Takes the Stage at Galataport
Audi R26 Showcar, symbolizing Audi’s new era in Formula 1, was introduced at Galataport Istanbul in cooperation with Castrol. The 2026 F1 era vision and sustainable fluid technologies were detailed.
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New Era in F1:Audi is participating in the Formula 1 World Championship as a factory group, with completely renewed technical rules for the 2026 season.
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40 Years of Union:Audi and Castrol are taking their essential partnerships, from quattro technology in the rally era to Le Mans victories, to the top of the tracks with the Audi Revolut F1 Team.
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Hybrid Technology for Road Cars:New generation sustainable fuels, high-efficiency engine oils and advanced liquid cooling technologies developed for Formula 1 will also find their way into civilian vehicles in the future.
Audi’s Motorsport Heritage Takes to the Top of the Tracks
For Audi, Formula 1 is more than just a racing event, it is a huge engineering laboratory where future mobility technologies are tested under the harshest conditions. Looking at the history of the German automotive giant, transferring the experiences gained on the tracks to road cars constitutes the basic ideology of the brand. From the quattro four-wheel drive system that changed the rally world in the 1980s, to historical victories in Le Mans endurance races, from electric transformation in Formula E to pioneering hybrid technologies in the Dakar Rally, all this knowledge is now combined on the Formula 1 platform.
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The Audi R26 Showcar exhibited at Galataport Istanbul draws attention as the most current symbol of this essential past. Audi Türkiye General Manager Kerem Güven states that the brand’s step into Formula 1 with its factory group clearly demonstrates its claims in the fields of technology, electrification and performance. Güvenat also draws attention to the importance of the strong cooperation with Doğuş Otomotiv in Turkey, which has been maintained for many years, and the merger with Castrol under the umbrella of Formula 1 on a global scale.
Castrol and Joint Engineering Approach
Formula 1’s new technical period; It necessitates the use of more electrical power, high efficiency and 100% sustainable fuel. This makes fluid technologies, which directly affect the performance of engines and hybrid systems, a critical element. Standing out as a technical partner, Castrol develops special fluids for the Audi Revolut F1 Team that will provide maximum durability and system efficiency in racing conditions.
Castrol EDGE and Advanced Fluid Technologies
Developed to cope with harsh conditions such as high pressure, high temperature and wear on the tracks, Castrol EDGE improves fuel performance while preserving engine power. The new generation of hybrid power units in Formula 1 cars makes thermal management much more complex. With the Castrol ON ERS fluid developed in this direction, Castrol ensures that the battery system and MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic) structure remains at the ideal temperature. This technology directly protects system health during high charge and discharge cycles.
Cooperation Extending from the Past to the Future
The partnership between Castrol and Audi dates back to 1982, the legendary quattro era on rally tracks. Castrol Türkiye, Ukraine and Central Asia General Manager Nilay Tatlısöz states that platforms such as Formula 1, WRC and MotoGP are technology development laboratories for them. These high-tech products tested on the tracks will, over time, lead to the engine oils of civilian vehicles used on the roads. The partnership with Doğuş Otomotiv in the Turkish market for nearly 30 years ensures that Castrol is a strong solution partner in the Audi authorized service network.
