Audi has announced that it will not make any additional updates to its Formula 1 engine until the end of the 2026 season. Allan McNish, the team’s sporting director, has confirmed that the company is focused on managing the budget before introducing significant improvements.
After acquiring the Sauber team, Audi launched its first F1 engine project this year. Although its podium presence has been limited during the early races, the team introduced an engine update during the Spanish Grand Prix, which improved “driveability,” a deficient aspect of the R26 model, according to driver Nico Hulkenberg.
Since then, Audi has seen an increase in its performance, scoring points in the last three races through drivers like Gabriel Bortoleto and Hulkenberg, who have helped move Williams to ninth place in the constructors’ championship. However, McNish has clarified that the next engine update will have to wait until 2027, arguing that it is necessary to balance investments between chassis improvements and power units.
With the aim of adhering to budget cap regulations, McNish has commented that updates need to be planned in the long term. The team plans to make small adaptations to improve current performance and believes that the most significant improvements will come a few years later.
Hulkenberg, referring to the recent “driveability” improvement, explained its importance in the engine response and shift quality, where every little detail can have a significant influence, especially in corner exits. Maintaining good vehicle behavior becomes crucial in tight competitions.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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