The sovereign wealth fund of Qatar is acquiring a significant minority stake in Audi's upcoming Formula 1 team from 2026. The deal, announced ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, will see the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) become a long-term investor and provide substantial capital for the team's expansion. Audi's chief executive, Gernot Döllner, expressed optimism about the investment's role in accelerating the team's growth.
Sauber, which will rebrand as Audi's works outfit in 2026, is undergoing changes in its driver lineup for 2025, welcoming Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. The team, which has yet to score a point this season, sees this investment as a crucial step towards its long-term goals