Qatar adds Audi Formula One team to its sporting line-up

Audi and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have teamed up to accelerate the preparation for the Formula 1 entry of the four rings in 2026.

QIA, the sovereign wealth fund of the Gulf nation, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the future factory team of Audi.

With this strategic investment QIA will enter the Audi Formula 1 project as a long-term investor and partner.

QIA’s investment will provide a substantial capital injection and pave the way for increasing infrastructure and team buildout, positioning the team for long-term success in Formula 1.

With the change of the technical regulations in 2026, Audi will officially enter Formula 1 with a factory team. Both facilities in Neuburg and Hinwil are further ramping up to meet the standards needed for success.

With the recent announcement of driver Gabriel Bortoleto (20), who will race alongside Nico Hülkenberg (37), the project has taken the next important step.

The announcement of the complete takeover of Sauber in March and the appointment of Mattia Binotto as CTO and COO of the project, and Jonathan Wheatley as team principal from the middle of next year, demonstrate Audi's determination.

Qatar's other sporting holdings include France's Ligue 1 club Paris St Germain, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a state-backed body founded by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

QSI also acquired World Padel Tour from its organisers Damm last year and unified the world's professional tour under one entity, ending a power struggle in the sport.