Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG and Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA.

Audi and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) said today that they have signed definitive agreements to acquire a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the future Formula 1 factory team of Audi. Audi will officially enter Formula 1 with a factory team with the change of the technical regulations in 2026. The transaction is of course subject to customary regulatory approvals.

“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,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG.

*QIA is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. QIA was founded in 2005 to invest and manage the state reserve funds. QIA is among the largest and most active sovereign wealth funds globally. QIA invests across a wide range of asset classes and regions as well as in partnership with institutions around the world “to build a global and diversified investment portfolio with a long-term perspective that can deliver sustainable returns and contribute to the prosperity of the State of Qatar.” It is the subject of controversies, including its dealings with Russia, embezzlement charges of former executives, it’s ownership of Heathrow airport, the PGA tournaments, the football World Cup, among others.