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Audi has surprisingly revealed that they have already stopped working on the drivetrain (components responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels) of their 2026 challenger. The German outfit will enter next year's campaign as a full-fledged works team.
A few days ago, they revealed their concept car for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The event took place at the company's Brand Experience Centre in Munich, in the company of CEO Gernot Dollner, Head of F1 project Mattia Binotto, and team principal Jonathan Wheatley. Current drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto were also present.
The excitement around the German outfit heading into 2026 is immense, and amid this, the outfit's Chief Technology Officer, Stefan Dreyer, has asserted that the team's focus has already shifted to 2027-28. In line with this, he has recently added:
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"Development of the 2026 drivetrain has concluded, and we’re already focusing on 2027 and 2028. Development of components truly never stops in Formula 1, but considering the limited amount of data valuable to us from the current Sauber and Ferrari setup [and the 2026 regulation changes], we’re looking past our first year now.” (Via The Drive).
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have shown decent form in the ongoing 2025 Formula 1 season. If the team is to have some solid races in 2026, they will play a key part in terms of the development of the challenger.
Audi determined to fight for 'world championships' from 2030 onwards
While the team will not be working on the 2026 challenger's drivetrain going forward, it has also revealed its aspirations for the coming years of F1. Being a new entrant into the pinnacle of motorsport, the team will not be at the top end from the very start.
The personnel on the team are well aware of this, and CEO Gernot Dollner thus gave a timeframe (during the Munich event) by which they hope to fight for world championships. In line with this, Dollner added:
"Motorsport is part of the Audi DNA and has always been the driving force behind technological progress and innovation. By entering the pinnacle of motorsport, Audi is making a clear, ambitious statement. It is the next chapter in the company’s renewal. Formula 1 will be a catalyst for the change towards a leaner, faster and more innovative Audi." (Via F1).
"We are not entering Formula 1 just to be there. We want to win. At the same time, we know that you don’t become a top team in Formula 1 overnight. It takes time, perseverance and tireless questioning of the status quo. By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title."
2026 will mark the dawn of a new era in Formula 1 that will see fresh regulations and brand new cars. Considering how difficult it is to achieve success in the sport, it is going to be fascinating to see how Audi will perform from next year onwards.
