Audi F1 team ‘resistant’ to 2027 commitment as $10 million issue emerges
Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is facing fresh friction over the sport’s planned 2027 regulation changes, with cost concerns emerging as a key sticking point. The German manufacturer, which takes over Sauber to become a full works team from 2026, is reportedly hesitant to sign off on early modifications to the 2027 power unit rules due to the extra spending required. 115c
The debate centers on a proposal to adjust the power split between the internal combustion engine and electrical components for 2027. Under the current regulations set for 2026, the split is 50/50. Some teams and drivers, including Max Verstappen, have pushed for a shift toward 60/40 in favor of the combustion engine as early as next year. Verstappen called the idea “definitely heading into a very positive direction” and said it was “the minimum I was hoping for”. 742a
However, not everyone in the paddock is on board. According to multiple reports, Audi is one of the manufacturers showing resistance. The issue is money. Sources indicate that revamping the engines to meet the revised 60/40 target would cost manufacturers in excess of $10 million. For Audi, which has already invested heavily in developing a power unit for the current 50/50 ruleset, that additional outlay is hard to justify right now. 115c8c03
Audi’s position is complicated by its status as a new entrant. The team is still learning the ropes of F1 operations and is operating under the budget cap, making any unplanned multi-million-pound development project a significant burden. Insiders say Audi isn’t opposed to minor tweaks for 2027, but believes a full push to the 60/40 target so quickly is unrealistic. 8c03
The cost factor isn’t the only hurdle. The proposed rule change also intersects with F1’s catch-up mechanism, known as ADUO, or Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities. If engine homologation is opened up for 2027 to allow redesigns for the new power split, ADUO would likely have to be scrapped. Ferrari is understood to be against anything that would remove ADUO, as it sees the mechanism as its best chance to close the gap to Mercedes in the short term. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said in Montreal that improving F1 was important, but everyone had to be “careful” of the competitive consequences, and that finding agreement may be harder than anticipated. 115c8c03
This division leaves the idea of hardware changes for 2027 in limbo. Efforts to find a compromise are ongoing, with discussions expected to continue at the Canadian Grand Prix. One potential middle ground is adjusting fuel flow enough to avoid major engine redesigns while still shifting performance enough to allow cars to run flatter out in qualifying. Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies noted that the timing of any power unit changes is now central to the next steps. 115c
Audi’s stance comes against the backdrop of its broader F1 project. The brand officially becomes a works team in 2026, taking over Sauber and building its power unit in Neuburg, Germany. Team leadership has repeatedly stated that Audi is fully committed to the program. Mattia Binotto, who leads the transition, said in 2025 that “Audi is fully behind it and I don’t think anyone doubts that anymore”. The involvement of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund was also cited as a signal of long-term intent. 6b379d6e6705
The team has also secured Revolut as title partner from 2026, in a deal described as a strategic alliance to challenge conventions in motorsport. Jonathan Wheatley, the future team principal, said Revolut’s digital-first solutions would power key operational areas and redefine fan engagement. 4b2c
Despite these commitments, the 2027 rule change debate shows that Audi is prepared to push back when costs and timing don’t align with its own development plan. The team is focused on building a foundation for a championship push by 2030, with Binotto outlining a five-year plan where the first three years are for building the team and the next two for consolidation. 9d6e
For now, the broader consensus among manufacturers is that while a shift toward 60/40 power is broadly supported in principle, there’s no agreement on when it should happen. Audi and Ferrari are seen as having differing concerns, with Audi reluctant to commit after spending heavily on the current formula. 742a
The outcome will likely hinge on whether a compromise can be found that balances performance goals with financial reality. If not, the 2027 changes could be delayed or scaled back, leaving the current 50/50 split in place for longer than some had hoped.
What do you think – should F1 push ahead with the 60/40 change for 2027 even if it means extra costs for new manufacturers like Audi?