Audi is set to welcome a powerful partner to its Formula 1 ambitions. Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), is acquiring a “significant minority” stake in Audi’s F1 entry, the German automaker announced. The move marks a bold financial and strategic alignment ahead of Audi’s official debut in the sport in 2026.

A High-Value Partnership

The deal, expected to finalize next year, will see QIA invest hundreds of millions of dollars for roughly 30% ownership in the Sauber F1 team, which Audi is set to take over as the foundation of its F1 operation. The investment will provide a major boost to infrastructure, technical development, and team-building efforts.

“This additional capital will accelerate the team’s growth and is yet another milestone on our long-term strategy,” said Audi CEO Gernot Dollner. “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.”

QIA, already a significant investor in Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen Group, sees untapped potential in Formula 1. “As a long-standing investor in the Volkswagen Group, we believe in Audi’s vision and direction when entering F1, and our investment will support the realization of this goal,” said QIA CEO Mohammed Al-Sowaidi.

Timing and Strategic Implications

The investment comes at a critical juncture. Audi plans to assume full ownership of Sauber in 2024, preparing to take the grid under its own banner by 2026 when new F1 technical regulations come into effect.

While Audi insists the deal is unrelated to its parent company’s recent financial struggles—Volkswagen reported a 42% drop in profits, while Audi itself saw a staggering 91% earnings slump—it represents a vital injection of resources. Qatar’s funding will allow the team to pursue the ambitious technological and competitive goals necessary to compete in F1’s rapidly evolving landscape.

The Broader Middle Eastern Influence in Sports

The transaction underscores the growing influence of Gulf state wealth in global sports. Qatar already owns Paris Saint-Germain via its Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) fund, while Abu Dhabi has a controlling stake in Manchester City, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is involved in Newcastle United and the LIV Golf series.

For Audi, the partnership with QIA brings not only financial clout but also a strategic ally experienced in leveraging global sports investments for long-term growth.

2026: A New Era for Audi and F1

Audi’s entry into Formula 1 is one of the most anticipated developments in the sport. The team is expected to leverage its engineering expertise and QIA’s funding to position itself as a serious competitor among F1’s elite.

With high expectations and significant backing, Audi’s partnership with Qatar lays the groundwork for a potentially transformative era in Formula 1, one that reflects the sport’s increasing appeal to global investors looking to tap into its massive growth potential.