P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund is buying a substantial minority share in Audi’s Formula 1 team
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority, is buying a significant minority share in Audi’s Formula 1 team, Sauber. The investment was unveiled at the Qatar Grand Prix, with QIA set to acquire the minority share by mid-2026 after Audi secures Finn Rausing’s remaining stake. This move signifies QIA’s first foray into owning a competitive motorsport entity, expanding its existing ties with Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen. Audi CEO and Sauber chairman, Gernot Döllner, views this partnership as a crucial step in their Formula 1 strategy, marking a pivotal moment for their F1 project. The collaboration with QIA demonstrates a long-term plan set in motion since late 2023, illustrating a strategic shift for Audi’s F1 team despite initial full ownership earlier in 2024. This partnership emerged after a year-long collaboration proposal initiated by Audi, emphasizing a shared vision and commitment to the future of Sauber’s F1 operations.
