A model Audi F1 car on display during the 2023 Geneva International Motor Show 2023 (GIMS) (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Recent reports have emerged that Audi could sell a minority stake in their F1 team to investors Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund. This deal is rumored to take place two years prior to the German giant's official entry into the sport.
Audi's connection to F1 dates back to August 2022, when they announced their arrival in the sport in 2026. By then, the FIA will introduce a new power unit and other technical regulations. Audi partnered with Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) and decided to acquire a team. The German giants first took a minority stake in the team and started their operation in January 2023 before announcing their full takeover of Sauber in March 2024.
After F1's exponential growth in popularity, individual teams also started attracting lots of investors from around the globe. Recent reports from Auto Motor und Sport emerged that the Swiss-German F1 team could be planning to sell a minority stake to Qatar's sovereign wealth fund. This will be the country's first investment in the sport. The financial boost from this deal could work in Audi's favor as they continue to build their factory at Hilwil.
