Audi is preparing a series of upgrades for the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season, but has already decided that its power unit will remain virtually unchanged through the end of the championship. The German manufacturer intends to introduce at least four evolutions to the chassis, while focusing its development budget on a new power unit planned to debut only in 2028.
According to racing director Allan McNish, no new hardware upgrades are scheduled for the power unit across the remaining rounds of the season. Audi’s strategy is to channel its development budget toward the new engine project, which is considered the main priority for the coming years.
According to reports from German publication Auto Motor und Sport, the manufacturer will also retain its current monocoque for 2027, making only minor modifications for cost reasons. Consequently, the upgrades scheduled for the rest of this season will also serve as the foundation for next year’s car development.
Project manager Mattia Binotto believes Audi already possesses one of the top five chassis on the grid and sees no need for a ground-up overhaul in that department. As no major power unit evolutions are planned in the interim, the main scope for development will shift toward the drivetrain package for future technical cycles.
Finally, the remaining upgrades for the current season are expected to be fully implemented by the Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 22.
Formula 1 is currently on summer break. The series resumes 2026 season action from August 21 to 23 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
