Audi unveils strategic shift: physical car controls and pause on F1 engine upgrades

Audi announced that it will phase out large digital dashboards in its production vehicles, replacing them with smaller displays and a greater number of tactile buttons and premium materials under a new design language called “Radical Next.” The change, slated to be implemented by 2028, is driven by customer feedback that favors physical controls for safety and ease of use, and aims to differentiate Audi from rivals that continue to expand screen sizes.

Separately, Audi’s Formula 1 team disclosed that it will halt further development of its power‑unit for the remainder of the current season. Team director Alan McNees said the decision is a direct response to the sport’s budget‑cap restrictions, allowing the team to allocate resources toward a more comprehensive package for the 2027 season. The pause is intended to preserve long‑term competitiveness despite short‑term performance trade‑offs.