The decision has been made – Audi is partnering with the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar’s state investment fund. The Germans acquired the Sauber Formula 1 team in March to field their own factory team on the grid from 2026. However, on Friday, a minority stake in the Swiss racing stable was sold to the Qatari state.
The investment from Qatar represents a significant capital injection into the Formula 1 team. According to an official press release, the infrastructure will be primarily strengthened in the short term. Thanks to this boost, the organizations in Hinwil, Switzerland, and Neuberg, Germany, can continue to grow in the run-up to Audi’s official debut in 2026. This is a crucial development, given the financial distress within the Volkswagen Group.
Audi had previously strengthened its team with former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto and Red Bull director Jonathan Wheatley. The latter will start as team boss next year. Sauber has also secured two new drivers. The 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto and the 37-year-old Nico Hülkenberg have both signed multi-year contracts. According to experts, the team has opted for a healthy combination of young talent and experience.
Focus on 2026
“The investment from Qatar reflects confidence in Audi’s Formula 1 project and marks a new milestone in our long-term strategy,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. “This capital injection accelerates our growth and strengthens our commitment to success in 2026.” Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority, is equally enthusiastic. “Audi is a premium partner with a rich motorsport history. Our investment supports Audi’s vision in Formula 1. With the increasing globalization and popularity of the sport, we see great opportunities in the commercial potential of professional motorsport.”
The collaboration between Audi and Qatar highlights how wealthy Arab countries are significantly investing in the world’s most famous sports teams. Previously, major football clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City received a boost from the Middle East. Capital from Arab investors is also flowing into motorsport. For instance, the Bahraini state company Mumtalakat holds a large stake in the parent company of Lando Norris, and the Qatari state is already a significant sponsor of Formula 1.
