Audi F1 Team has confirmed that a major Qatari state-backed fund has purchased a significant minority stake ahead of its 2026 F1 entry.
Sky News understands that the agreement with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will see Audi acquire around 30% of the Sauber F1 team, with the investment expected to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. .
Audi will take over the current Sauber fleet in early 2026, when F1’s new technical regulations are introduced.
“QIA’s investment reflects the trust and confidence that the Audi F1 project has already gained and confirms Audi’s unwavering commitment to this initiative,” said Gernot Dorner, CEO of Audi AG.
“This additional capital will accelerate the team’s growth and is another milestone in our long-term strategy. QIA’s involvement will strengthen our dedication at both Hinwil and Neuburg facilities in preparation for our entry into Audi in 2026. It will be even more activated.”
The deal will highlight just how much money wealthy Arab countries have poured into the world’s most-watched sports teams and leagues.
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) owns Ligue 1 football club Paris Saint-Germain, an Abu Dhabi investor owns a controlling stake in Manchester City Football Club and a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund owns a breakaway golf club. It owns League LIV and Premier League clubs. newcastle united.
Sauber are currently the only team yet to score points in 2024 and are bottom of the constructors’ championship.
Nico Hulkenberg and F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortleto will join Sauber on multi-year deals in 2025, meaning they will be drivers when Audi joins them in 2026.
Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley will become team principal, while former Ferrari manager Mattia Binotto will become chief technical officer and chief operating officer.
Live Qatar GP Schedule on Sky Sports F1
Saturday, November 30th
12:10pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
1pm: Qatar GP Sprint Build-up
2pm: Qatar GP Sprint
3:30pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook
4pm: F2 Sprint Race
5:15pm: Qatar GP qualifying build-up
6pm: Qatar GP Qualifying
8pm: F1 Academy: Race 1
8:45pm: Ted’s Qualification Notebook
Sunday, December 1st
10:55am: F1 Academy Race 2
12:15pm: F2 Feature Race
2:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Qatar GP Build-up
4pm: Qatar Grand Prix
6pm: Checkered flag: Qatar GP reaction
7pm: Ted’s Notes
F1’s season-ending triple header continues this weekend with the Qatar Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream the last two F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – cancel anytime with no contract
