Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar – has signed definitive agreements to acquire a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, ahead of the squad becoming Audi’s factory team in 2026.
With this strategic investment, QIA will enter the Audi Formula 1 project as a long-term investor and partner, providing a substantial capital injection and paving the way for increasing infrastructure and team buildout as the outfit aim for long-term success in the sport.
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News of the investment – which is consistent with QIA’s focus on investments with long-term growth potential – comes as the squad continue to build for the future, with several new recruits being announced in recent months.
Sauber are set to become Audi’s works outfit in 2026
A new driver line-up will arrive next season in the form of veteran Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, while former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto joined as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer over the summer and Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley will take up the position of Team Principal from the middle of 2025.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG, commented on the news of QIA’s investment: “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.”
Binotto is amongst the new recruits at Sauber/Audi, having joined the leadership team during the summer
Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA, added: “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.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
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