Audi and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have announced a significant partnership to prepare for Audi’s highly anticipated entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The collaboration includes QIA acquiring a substantial minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the future factory team of Audi. This strategic move positions both entities to accelerate their Formula 1 aspirations, aligning with Audi’s vision and QIA’s commitment to long-term growth investments.
QIA’s investment marks a pivotal moment for Audi’s Formula 1 project, offering substantial capital to enhance infrastructure, build a competitive team, and achieve long-term success. Audi plans to debut with a factory team in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations in Formula 1.
Preparations are underway at Audi’s facilities in Neuburg and Hinwil, which are ramping up to meet the rigorous demands of the sport. Notable developments include Gabriel Bortoleto joining the team alongside seasoned driver Nico Hülkenberg. Leadership appointments, such as Mattia Binotto as Chief Technical and Operating Officer and Jonathan Wheatley as Team Principal starting mid-2025, underscore Audi’s dedication to its Formula 1 program.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, emphasized the significance of QIA’s involvement:
“The investment by QIA reflects the trust and confidence the Audi F1 Project has already garnered, underscoring the 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.”
Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA, shared insights on the collaboration:
“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. Our investment will support the realization of this goal while tapping into the sport’s significant untapped potential.”
The partnership signals a strong alignment between Audi’s engineering expertise and QIA’s financial backing. The Hinwil and Neuburg facilities are expected to become cutting-edge hubs for motorsport innovation, reflecting Audi’s commitment to precision and performance. These advancements, combined with the leadership of experienced figures like Binotto and Wheatley, set the stage for a competitive entry in 2026.
Audi’s focus on long-term infrastructure development positions the team as a formidable contender, with QIA’s investment ensuring the necessary resources are in place to excel in the global motorsport arena.
The Audi-QIA partnership is a landmark step in Audi’s journey to Formula 1, bringing together a shared vision of growth, innovation, and success. With its strategic investments, leadership appointments, and facility enhancements, Audi is poised to make a significant impact when it enters the competition in 2026. This collaboration not only reaffirms Audi’s commitment to motorsport excellence but also highlights the growing commercial appeal and global expansion of Formula 1 as a premier entertainment platform.
Note: The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
