Audi AG and Qatar Funding Authority (QIA) have joined forces to propel the 4 rings’ extremely anticipated entry into System 1 in 2026. As a part of this collaboration, QIA, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, has signed definitive agreements to amass a major minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, the longer term manufacturing facility crew of Audi.
Strategic Partnership for Lengthy-Time period Development
This landmark funding positions QIA as a long-term accomplice in Audi’s System 1 venture, offering a considerable capital injection to bolster infrastructure improvement and crew growth. The collaboration underscores Audi’s dedication to establishing a aggressive presence in System 1 whereas aligning with QIA’s funding philosophy, which is targeted on ventures with robust long-term development potential.
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System 1’s continued world growth, rising fan engagement, and profitable commercialization alternatives make it a lovely platform for strategic investments. With Audi set to enter the championship as a manufacturing facility crew in 2026—coinciding with introducing new technical laws—the stage is about for a transformative chapter within the sport.
Constructing Foundations for Success
Audi’s services in Neuburg, Germany, and Hinwil, Switzerland, are present process vital upgrades to fulfill the rigorous calls for of System 1. These efforts are supported by latest high-profile appointments and selections that sign the model’s ambitions. Key milestones embody:
- Driver Lineup: The recruitment of Gabriel Bortoleto, a rising star at 20, who will be part of System 1 veteran Nico Hülkenberg, 37, showcasing a steadiness of youth and expertise.
- Management Appointments: The announcement of Mattia Binotto as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Chief Working Officer (COO), and Jonathan Wheatley as Group Principal, set to imagine roles in mid-2025.
- Possession Milestone: Audi’s full acquisition of Sauber earlier this yr marks a major step in the direction of integrating the crew into its motorsport ecosystem.
Voices from the Partnership
Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Administrators of Sauber Motorsport AG, praised the partnership:
“The funding by QIA displays the belief and confidence the Audi F1 Mission has already garnered, underscoring Audi’s unwavering dedication to the initiative. This extra capital will speed up the crew’s development and is one more milestone in our long-term technique. QIA’s involvement additional energizes the devoted efforts at each the Hinwil and Neuburg services as they work in the direction of the entry of Audi in 2026.”
QIA’s CEO, Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, emphasised the alignment between QIA’s funding philosophy and Audi’s motorsport imaginative and prescient:
“Audi is a premium accomplice of alternative with a wealthy motorsport legacy. As a long-standing investor within the Volkswagen Group, we imagine in Audi’s imaginative and prescient and path when coming into System 1, and our funding will assist the conclusion of this purpose. QIA believes that System 1 is a sport with vital untapped funding potential. The rising commercialization {of professional} sports activities as an leisure providing globally, and the more and more world reputation of System 1, has made for an thrilling alternative for our first main motorsports funding.”
Accelerating Towards 2026
This partnership between Audi and QIA marks a pivotal second within the countdown to 2026, guaranteeing that Audi’s System 1 venture is provided with the assets and infrastructure required for long-term success. With QIA’s strategic funding, the crew is well-positioned to make an impactful debut on the pinnacle of motorsport, representing a fusion of German engineering excellence and world funding prowess.
