The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a substantial minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the entity set to become Audi’s factory team upon its entry into Formula 1 in 2026.
While specific financial terms remain undisclosed, reports indicate that QIA’s investment amounts to approximately 30% of Sauber Holding AG, with estimates valuing the stake at up to €1 billion. This capital infusion is intended to enhance the team’s infrastructure and development capabilities.
QIA’s acquisition of a stake in Audi’s Formula 1 team marks its first major investment in motorsports. The fund has been expanding its portfolio in the sports sector, including a recent purchase of a minority stake in Monumental Sports and Entertainment, the owner of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals.
“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,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. “This additional capital will accelerate the team’s growth and is yet another milestone in our long-term strategy.”
“Audi is a premium partner of choice with a rich motorsport legacy,” said Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA. “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 realisation of this goal.”
Audi enters Formula 1
Audi announced its intention to join Formula 1 as a power unit supplier in 2026, aligning with new technical regulations aimed at sustainability and cost efficiency. The company plans to integrate Sauber, which currently competes under the Alfa Romeo name, as its works team. To bolster its leadership, Audi has appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer, effective mid-2025, and Red Bull’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, starting in 2026.
The completion of QIA’s investment in Sauber Holding AG is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
