F1 News: Audi confirms major Qatar purchase of part of F1 team
Audi has sold a minority stake in its F1 team to the Qatar Investment Authority, as its boss insists its grand prix commitment will not be impacted by the financial crisis the VW Group currently finds itself in.
Volkswagen (VW) is facing a number of financial challenges, including:
Declining demand
Demand has slowed in key markets, including China, where VW’s sales fell 15% in the last quarter.
Rising costs
VW is dealing with rising interest rates and production costs, and development costs are also increasing.
Excess capacity
VW has excess capacity in Europe, and long-run demand is 500,000 units lower than it was previously.
Market disruption
VW is facing disruption from electromobility and new competitors from China.
Poor market penetration
Some say that VW’s poor market penetration is a major reason for its current difficulties.
VW’s financial problems have led to a number of actions, including:
Cutting costs
VW is considering cutting costs, including salaries, and closing factories.
Lowering expectations
VW has lowered its expectations for global deliveries and operating margin.
Redressing customer treatment
VW Finance was fined by the FCA for failing to consider the needs of customers in financial difficulty.
Press Release
Audi and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) team up to accelerate the preparation for the Formula 1 entry of the four rings in 2026. QIA, the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the future factory team of Audi.
With this strategic investment Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will enter the Audi Formula 1 project as a long-term investor and partner.
Related Rumor: German Audi F1 team sold to Arabs
Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) investment will provide a substantial capital injection and pave the way for increasing infrastructure and team build out, positioning the team for long-term success in Formula 1. The investment is consistent with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)’s focus on investments with long-term growth potential.
Formula 1 is a fast-growing sport with significant upside potential through continued global expansion, deeper fan engagement and significant commercialization potential. Audi will officially enter Formula 1 with a factory team with the change of the technical regulations in 2026.
Both facilities in Neuburg and Hinwil are further ramping up to meet the standards needed on the road to success. With the recent announcement of Gabriel Bortoleto (20) who will race alongside Nico Hülkenberg (37), the program has taken the next important step. The announcement of the complete takeover of Sauber in March and the appointment of Mattia Binotto as CTO and COO of the project and Jonathan Wheatley as team principal from the middle of next year are expressions of the determination of the Audi brand. The investment will add to a list of important milestones in the near future.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG: “The investment by Qatar Investment Authority (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.”
Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA): “Audi is a premium partner of choice with a rich motorsport legacy. As a long-standing investor in the Volkswagen Group, we believe in Audi’s vision and direction when entering Formula 1 and our investment will support the realization of this goal. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) believes that Formula 1 is a sport with significant untapped investment potential. The increasing commercialization of professional sports as an entertainment offering globally, and the increasingly global popularity of Formula 1, has made for an exciting opportunity for our first major motorsports investment.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
