P1racenews AI automatic summary:
According to reports, Audi is poised to sell a slice of its fledging Formula 1 project to Qatar to raise much-needed investment in the project.
Earlier this year, Audi announced plans to increase its ownership of Sauber in F1 from 75% to 100% by 2026. F1 journalist Joe Saward suggests that Audi might bring in the Qatari Investment Authority as a minority shareholder in this venture. Further sources reveal that a potential deal could be announced in the upcoming week, aligning with Qatar’s existing ties to the brand. With Audi developing its F1 power unit project and Sauber requiring investment for competitiveness, the road to success in F1 appears challenging and costly. The financial struggles of Volkswagen AG, Audi’s parent company, add another layer of complexity to these plans, especially as key figures behind Audi’s move to F1 are no longer with the company. A potential $1 billion investment from Qatar could provide a strategic boost to the Audi F1 project, potentially even leading to Qatar or its brands holding a major share in the team and engine facility. The dynamics of the partnership might mirror similar setups seen in other F1 teams, offering flexibility for Audi in the future. Despite the reports, no official confirmation has been made about Qatar’s involvement in Audi’s F1 ambitions.
