As anticipated, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the new partner for the Audi F1 Team project. In two years, the German automaker is set to make its entry into the Formula 1 World Championship, thanks in large part to the financial support from Qatar.
The rumors we discussed a few days ago are now confirmed. Although it is not QSI (Qatar Sports Investments), known for owning the Paris Saint-Germain football club, entering Sauber Holding AG, owned by Audi, it is almost the same with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) becoming a partner of Audi F1 Team.
In its statement, Audi said, “Qatar Investment Authority acquires a substantial minority stake in Sauber Holding AG.” The financial input from Qatar will allow Audi to complete its project, making its F1 debut from 2026, the year of the introduction of new technical regulations. Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG, stated:
“The QIA investment reflects the confidence already gathered by the Audi F1 project, emphasizing Audi’s unwavering commitment to the initiative. This additional capital accelerates the team’s growth and marks another significant step in our long-term strategy. QIA’s involvement further energizes the efforts dedicated to the facilities in Hinwil and Neuburg as they work towards Audi’s entry in 2026.” Finally, in 2026, on the starting grid of the Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix, an 11th team will be present, namely Cadillac/General Motors, probably with a Ferrari Power Unit for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The Editorial Team
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