Audi has announced that the Qatari Investment Authority acquired a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the future factory team of Audi. QIA will enter the Formula 1 project as a long-term investor and partner.
The German manufacturer officially joins in 2026, taking over the Sauber F1 Team. It will use the facility in Hinwil, Switzerland, while the Audi power unit is being build in Neuburg, Germany. Nico Hülkenberg, who is currently a driver for Haas, and current Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto will form the line-up.
As free practice of this year’s Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit ends, Qatars expected acquisition into Sauber has been confirmed. It will help the financial part of the project by providing a significant capital injection into the project.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG:
“The investment by QIA reflects the trust and confidence the Audi F1 Project has already garnered, underscoring unwavering commitment of Audi 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 energizes the dedicated efforts at both the Hinwil and Neuburg facilities as they work towards the entry of Audi in 2026.”
Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA:
”Audi is a premium partner of choice with a rich motorsport legacy. As a long-standing investor in the Volkswagen Group, we believe in Audi’s vision and direction when entering Formula 1 and our investment will support the realization of this goal. QIA believes that Formula 1 is a sport with significant untapped investment potential. The increasing commercialization of professional sports as an entertainment offering globally, and the increasingly global popularity of Formula 1, has made for an exciting opportunity for our first major motorsports investment.”
