The German manufacturer will replace Sauber on the grid for the 2026 season, becoming a full factory team as they make their debut in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Excitement around the project continues to grow, as do the expectations, heightened after Audi's CEO, Gernot Döllner, stated: “By 2030, we want to fight for the World Championship title.”

Now, just days after Audi became the first team to release a concept car for the 2026 season, certain bits of development have been stopped as preparations for future seasons begin.

“Development of the 2026 drivetrain has concluded, and we’re already focusing on 2027 and 2028," stated Audi F1’s Chief Technology Officer Stefan Dreyer to The Drive.

There was also an explaination from Dreyer that the drivetrain IP that was used by Sauber belongs stricly to Ferrari, with no data whatsoever shared with the Swiss team, despite Audi's purchase of Sauber and mist of its assets.

Audi's 2026 concept car announcement depicted a huge moment in their project as their debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix continues to close in.

Despite the head of the Audi project, Mattia Binotto, admitting to many 'tense moments' during its development, he and team principal Jonathan Wheatley also shared Döllner's vision for success in 2030.

Be sure to check out the latest F1 Tech story to understand all there is to know from Audi's 2026 concept car, along with the 2026 car as a whole, before the new regulations enter the sport.