Audi has sold part of its Formula 1 team, Sauber Motorsport, to the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar – as it prepares to launch its works team for the 2026 season.

While the exact percentage of shares sold has not been officially confirmed, sources suggest QIA now holds around 25% of the team.

Initially, Audi planned to fully acquire Sauber before selling a portion to an external investor. However, QIA, which already owns 17% of Audi’s parent company Volkswagen, is now investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the F1 project, providing the team with crucial long-term financial support and resources.  

With Sauber currently at the bottom of the Constructors’ standings, significant upgrades are needed to meet Audi’s high standards. QIA’s investment will help fund infrastructure improvements and attract top talent, ensuring the team is ready to compete at a higher level by 2026.  

This partnership comes as the car industry faces slowing sales and economic challenges. By joining forces with QIA, Audi strengthens its position and secures the backing it needs to build a successful and competitive F1 team for the future.

Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG, said: “The investment by QIA reflects the trust and confidence the Audi F1 Project has already garnered, underscoring unwavering commitment of Audi to the initiative.

“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.”

Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA, 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.”