Audi Admits 'Very Complex' Power Unit Task as Crucial Upgrades Await

Audi racing director Allan McNish has admitted that building a Formula 1 power unit from scratch has been a "very complex situation," as the manufacturer now faces the urgent task of improving performance. The German marque, which entered as a factory team after acquiring Sauber, has logged consistent finishes but remains stuck in the lower midfield with only two points on the board.

Why it matters:

Audi's troubles highlight how punishing the current engine formula is for new suppliers. Ranked fourth among five manufacturers and ahead of only Honda, the team faces a steep climb to match the output of Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Powertrains. Without rapid gains, Audi risks losing precious development time in its long-term project.

The details:

• Lone points: Gabriel Bortoleto's ninth place in Melbourne remains Audi's only top-10 finish through seven rounds.
• Barcelona blow: Nico Hülkenberg was poised to score in Spain until gravel flicked up by Liam Lawson struck his pull-loop kill switch, ending his race instantly.
• Power deficit: Both drivers have reported a lack of straight-line speed, with the power unit widely rated fourth in the pecking order.
• Reliability gains: McNish confirmed reliability has improved markedly and is now largely a "non-factor."
• Development window: As a newcomer, Audi is permitted two internal combustion engine upgrades this season and again in 2027.

What's next:

With Barcelona's retirement chalked up to bad luck rather than engine trouble, the focus shifts to maximizing those upcoming power unit upgrades. Delivering meaningful performance steps will determine whether Audi can graduate from consistent midfield runs to genuine point-scoring contention.