Audi stance leaves F1 2027 engine change in doubt

Audi has emerged as a major obstacle to Formula 1’s proposed 2027 power-unit rule change, with CEO Gernot Döllner insisting the series should keep the existing framework on grounds of stability, development continuity and cost control.

That position matters because any change for 2027 needs backing from four of the five manufacturers. With Audi opposed and Ferrari also described as concerned about the switch, a move away from the current near-50/50 internal-combustion-to-electric balance to a 60/40 split now appears difficult to push through.

The proposal under discussion would effectively add 50 kW to the internal-combustion side through increased fuel flow while removing 50 kW from the electric side. It is an attempt to revise an engine configuration that has drawn criticism from drivers and failed to win broad support from fans.

Speaking to select media including RacingNews365, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said the company’s position is clear. “Our perspective really is to have stability there,” he said. “Our clear view with entering new, this is one reason, and the other reason is that we have to be cost-efficient.” He added: “That's the most important aspect from our side, to have the cost cap in mind.”

Audi’s resistance is tied directly to where it is in its own program. The manufacturer has been developing for its 2026 entry on the basis that the agreed rules would remain in place, and Döllner said its project still has “many things to optimize.” He said a late change “will not help the path to optimizing the current drive train” and warned it would pull spending away from other areas where Audi wants to invest.

He also framed that as a consequence of Audi’s starting point. “Our innovation path is maybe a little steeper because we started lower,” Döllner said, adding that on that path the company is “happy with stability.”

Audi’s stance also carries weight beyond the manufacturer debate because it cuts against a change Max Verstappen has described as the “bare minimum” required for him to remain in Formula 1 next season. If Audi continues to hold the line, one of the strongest pushes for a 60/40 split may be left without the support needed to turn it into regulation.