I hope it's just sensationalist news. Audi retireing from WEC is just a rumor so far and they will be there next year for sure. On the WRC side VW have extended their commitment.

On the other hand sometimes things get twisted in a very short time period, like when Peugeot retired from WEC. In the end it's all about money.

Personally I hope it's just sensationalism, the VW group has been very involved in motorsport and they see the value of it so I hope that continues.