**Qatar Investment Authority Acquires Significant Stake in Future Audi F1 Team**

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has secured a notable minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, which will become the Audi Formula 1 team. QIA, already an investor in the Volkswagen Group—Audi's parent company—will inject considerable capital into the venture. This influx of funds is expected to enhance the team's infrastructure and recruitment efforts. The transaction is set to finalize by the end of the second quarter in 2025, following Audi’s full acquisition of Sauber slated for January. QIA will also obtain a seat on the board.

Audi’s CEO, Gernot Döllner, expressed that QIA’s investment demonstrates the trust and confidence garnered by the Audi F1 Project. "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," he remarked.

Döllner clarified that the project was not at risk without external investment but highlighted the strategic advantage of having a partner. "When we reviewed it and made the plan to think bigger, bringing in a partner was part of that strategy," he said. "The decision was taken one year ago. Now, step by step, we first took over 100%, then brought in Mattia [Binotto] and Jonathan [Wheatley], who will join next year. So step by step, the plan becomes visible.”

The Audi announcement comes amid discussions about a General Motors entry involving billionaire Mark Walter. While there are currently no additional partners for this project, Döllner noted that having strong partners is beneficial. "An OEM could go it by himself, but I would say it's a more intelligent way to do it with strong partners. If you look at the other teams, that’s quite a success factor to go in a set-up that we’ve also chosen today," he added.

Döllner concluded by stating that there are no current plans for further partners, but they remain an option for the future. "For today, we are really happy to have, with QIA, this strong partner on board," he said.