Audi sells “significant” stake in Formula 1 team to Qatar wealth fund · RaceFans

Audi, which will enter Formula 1 in 2026, has sold a “significant” stake in its team to the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar.

The German car manufacturer announced the sale on the opening day of track action at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Audi announced its move into F1 two years ago and confirmed in March it would complete a full takeover of Sauber. However its parent company Volkswagen Group has experienced a challenging year financially and last month announced it would close three of its factories in Germany, scale back its work at other plants and make tens of thousands of staff redundant.

Now it has secured the backing of the Qatar Investment Authority as a “long-term investor and partner” for its move into F1.

“The investment by QIA reflects the trust and confidence the Audi F1 project has already garnered, underscoring unwavering commitment of Audi to the initiative,” said Audi CEO Gernot Doellner.

“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 the entry of Audi in 2026.”

QIA already holds a stake in the Volkswagen Group. Its CEO Mohammed Al-Sowaidi said “we believe in Audi’s vision and direction when entering Formula 1 and our investment will support the realisation of this goal.”

Audi’s F1 project has been overhauled since the beginning of the year with the arrival of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as chief technical and operating officer. They have also hired Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, who is due to arrive next year.

The team will compete as Sauber for the final time next year, but with two new drivers. Nico Hulkenberg will arrive from Haas, to be joined by newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto.

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