Audi announced it will not deliver another major F1 power unit upgrade until 2027, racing director Allan Mc Nish revealed. The team, which took over Sauber this year, debuted its first engine at the start of the season and introduced a modest update at the Barcelona Grand Prix focusing on “driveability,” as noted by Nico Hulkenberg. This change helped Audi secure points in recent races, with Gabriel Bortoleto scoring eight and Hulkenberg two, moving the squad ahead of Williams in the constructors’ standings.

Mc Nish explained the decision is driven by the budget cap. “You can’t spend everything at one time,” he said, emphasizing the need to manage upgrades across multiple seasons. The small adaptation at Barcelona provided immediate benefit, but larger hardware changes are slated for 2027. He added that the 2027‑spec unit will be a significant step, though “give us a break” before that timeline.

Hulkenberg described the upgrade’s focus on pedal response, torque delivery, and shift quality, noting the fine differences that matter at the limit. He highlighted that driveability issues can affect car balance and behavior, making the update crucial for performance. Audi’s progress this year is clearly linked to both power‑unit refinements and chassis improvements, positioning the team for future development.