Nuvolari, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of the pre-World War II era, famously competed in the Auto Union Type D machinery in the late 1930s, with those cars ultimately evolving into Audi’s modern motorsport lineage.
In tribute to the Italian, Audi has replaced elements of its usual fluorescent red with a bright yellow accent across the R26, including the rear sections of the sidepods and the four-ring Audi logo on the rear wing.
The same emblem appeared on the historic Auto Union cars driven by Nuvolari during his career.
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Drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will also wear special race suits matching the revised livery as Audi marks its first Monaco appearance with a dedicated design.
Nuvolari’s career included 24 Grand Prix victories, success at the Mille Miglia and a win at the Le Mans 24 Hours, with his racing legacy stretching into the immediate pre-war period before the disruption of World War II brought an end to the original Auto Union program.
Audi’s decision to launch the tribute at Monaco carries additional significance, with Nuvolari also having claimed victory in the early years of the principality’s famous street race.
The themed design adds to a growing list of special liveries on the grid this weekend, with McLaren marking its 1000th Grand Prix with a commemorative look, while Aston Martin has introduced a one-off colour-changing design for the Monte Carlo event.
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