Audi set to sell Sauber F1 team to Qatar sovereign wealth fund before... Read more

Audi set to sell Sauber F1 team to Qatar sovereign wealth fund before even joining grid

Audi, the German automotive giant, completed its full acquisition of the Swiss-based Formula 1 team Sauber earlier this year, marking a significant shift in the team’s future. The takeover, which officially gave Audi full control of Sauber, will set the stage for a rebranding of the team in time for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This is when major changes are set to come into play with the introduction of new regulations, particularly in terms of power units. Audi, entering its first full season in F1 as an engine supplier, will debut a revolutionary engine that blends both combustion and electric power in a 50-50 configuration.

Despite the excitement surrounding Audi’s entry into Formula 1, reports indicate that the company plans to sell a portion of its stake in the Sauber F1 team before it even begins racing under its own banner. A new investment deal, reportedly involving Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, is nearing completion. The deal, which could be finalized during the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix in three weeks, would see Qatar’s investment fund, known for managing assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars globally, purchasing a minority share in the Sauber team. While Audi would retain a controlling stake in the team, this partnership with Qatar is expected to help provide additional financial backing for the team, including the development of its facilities in Hinwil, Switzerland.

Audi has yet to publicly comment on the investment, but the move is seen as a way to bolster the financial resources of the Sauber operation ahead of the crucial 2026 season. Audi had previously owned 75% of Sauber, but in March of this year, they raised that stake to 100%, effectively making Sauber a full subsidiary. It’s understood that Audi has already committed around $600 million (£464 million) to the team’s development, with additional funding expected to be directed towards the creation of their power units for the 2026 regulations, which will also come at a significant cost.

The decision to bring in additional investment reflects the high costs associated with competing at the highest level of motorsport, especially with the introduction of the new F1 engine regulations. Audi’s commitment to F1 is substantial, not just in terms of the team acquisition but also in the research and development required to create an entirely new power unit. This marks a pivotal moment for Audi, as they join an elite group of manufacturers in F1, including Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull, who have their own in-house engines.

The Sauber F1 team, under Audi’s leadership, will continue to race under the Sauber name during the 2025 season. For 2025, Sauber’s driver lineup has already been confirmed, with Nico Hülkenberg, currently with Haas, and Gabriel Bortoleto, a McLaren driver, slated to race for the team. Despite the leadership changes and the impending rebrand, Sauber’s current form in the 2024 season has been disappointing. As of now, they are sitting at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings, with just three races remaining in the season. The team is still the only one without any points to their name, with drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu struggling to make any significant impact on the track throughout the season.

While Audi’s involvement in F1 brings with it a sense of optimism for the future, Sauber’s current position suggests that the team has a long way to go before it can compete with the likes of established F1 powerhouses. The influx of financial support from Qatar’s investment fund, combined with Audi’s long-term strategic vision, is expected to improve the team’s fortunes in the coming seasons, particularly as the new regulations and engine technology take effect in 2026. The future of Sauber, as a rebranded Audi F1 team, will hinge on both the success of its drivers and the performance of its newly developed engines, which Audi hopes will propel them into the upper echelons of Formula 1 competition.