Audi's F1 project gets additional power from QIA's stake in Sauber Holding

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a "significant" minority stake in Sauber Holding, Audi’s future factory team.With this strategic investment, QIA will enter Audi's Formula 1 project as a long-term investor and partner. The QIA’s investment will provide a substantial capital injection and further pave the way for increasing infrastructure and team buildout, positioning the team for long-term success in Formula 1.The investment is consistent with QIA’s focus on investments with long-term growth potential. Formula 1 is a fast-growing sport with significant upside potential through continued global expansion, deeper fan engagement and significant commercialisation opportunities.The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.With the change of the technical regulations in 2026, Audi will officially enter Formula 1 with a factory team. Both facilities in Neuburg and Hinwil are further ramping up to meet the standards needed for success.With the recent announcement of driver Gabriel Bortoleto (20), who will race alongside Nico Hülkenberg (37), the project has taken the next important step.The announcement of the complete takeover of Sauber in March and the appointment of Mattia Binotto as CTO and COO of the project, and Jonathan Wheatley as team principal from the middle of next year, demonstrate Audi’s determination. The investment will add to a list of important milestones in the near future."Audi is the premium partner of choice in motorsports, with a rich legacy and great potential. As a long-standing investor in the Volkswagen Group, we believe in Audi’s vision and direction as they enter Formula 1 and our investment will support the realisation of this goal," said Mohammed Saif al-Sowaidi, chief executive officer of QIA.Highlighting that QIA believes that Formula 1 is a sport with significant untapped potential; he said the increasing commercialisation of professional sports as an entertainment offering globally, and the increasingly global popularity of Formula 1, has made for an exciting opportunity for QIA’s first major motorsports investment.Gernot Döllner, chief executive officer of Audi and chairman of Sauber Motorsport said the investment by QIA reflects the trust and confidence the Audi F1 Project has already garnered, underscoring Audi’s unwavering commitment to the initiative."This additional capital will accelerate the team’s growth and is yet another milestone on our long-term strategy. QIA’s involvement further energises the dedicated efforts at both the Hinwil and Neuburg facilities as they work towards Audi’s 2026 entry," he said.