Audi will not introduce another power unit update for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Racing director Allan McNish confirmed the decision is driven by budget constraints. The team instead plans major hardware changes for 2027.
Audi launched its first power unit upgrade of the season at the Barcelona Grand Prix. The changes focused on driveability and helped the team score points in the following three races.
Gabriel Bortoleto finished eighth and Nico Hulkenberg tenth in those events. The results moved Audi ahead of Williams into eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
McNish explained the choice to hold back further development. “It’ll be next year,” he told reporters. He noted that spending must be managed across multiple seasons to stay within the budget cap.
Larger power unit components are now scheduled for the 2027 season. McNish described the work as hardware-focused and not a quick change.
