Sauber-Audi has announced investment from Qatar Investment Authority, as they gear-up to start out as a factory outfit from 2026 F1 season.
Reports in recent months did link up significant investment into the Sauber-Audi project from Qatar-based company. The German manufacturer have confirmed so during the ongoing Qatar GP weekend that Qatar Investment Authority will take minority shareholding in Sauber Holding AG.
The deal sounds similar to how McLaren Racing is run, which has significant investment from Bahrain. The move comes at a time when Volkswagen Group has been hit financially and has been cutting on losses by selling out properties across Europe in a mix of brands.
QIA has entered the deal as a long-term investor and partner, where the capital injection will aide in increasing Sauber-Audi’s infrastructure in Europe as they continue to build. The team now has a decent structure in place with Mattia Binotto as CEO and Jonathan Wheately taking up the F1 team principal role.
They also confirmed rookie Gabriel Bortoleto as its second F1 driver alongside the experienced Nico Hulkenberg. “The investment by QIA reflects the trust and confidence the Audi F1 Project has already garnered, underscoring unwavering commitment of Audi to the initiative,” said Gernot Dollner.
“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.”
At the same time, Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, 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.”
Here’s Nico Hulkenberg relaxed about Sauber-Audi situation
Here’s Gabriel Bortoleto being announced at Sauber
Here’s news on Sauber hiring
Here’s link to a F1 Discord channel, join in to interact