Formula 1: Qatar Investment Authority to become a minority shareholder in future Audi team (Sauber)

Qatari sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is to acquire "a substantial minority stake" in Sauber AG, itself wholly owned by German car manufacturer Audi, announced the latter on 29/11/2024. The deal, which would involve 30% of the Swiss company's shares, is intended to "accelerate preparations for Audi's Formula 1 entry" scheduled for the 2026 season.

"QIA's investment will provide a substantial capital injection and further pave the way for increasing infrastructure and team buildout, positioning the team for long-term success in Formula 1. The investment is consistent with QIA's focus on investments with long-term growth potential," said the German group. The Qatari fund already holds a 17% stake in Volkswagen, which owns Audi.

On 08/03/2024, Audi announced that it was acquiring 100% of Sauber Motorsport, which owns the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, and that it would enter Formula 1 as the Audi Formula 1 Team in 2026, as soon as the new regulations governing power units came into force. Audi will develop its engines at the Audi Motorsport Centre in…