Despite financial challenges plaguing its parent company, the Volkswagen Group, Audi has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Formula 1.
In a move that strengthens the German manufacturer's project, Audi has confirmed its strategic partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), to which it has sold a minority stake in its Sauber F1 team.
Addressing concerns at the Qatar Grand Prix, Audi CEO Gernot Dollner emphasized that the partnership wasn't a cost-saving measure due to Volkswagen's struggles.
"We have a business plan, and it's a business for us," he asserted. “This F1 project is an integral part of the transformation story of Audi.
“You can't build a future by only saving money. You have to invest. And we have to transform the company, the Audi company. We believe that the F1 project is an integral part of that transition of Audi."
The sale of a reported 30% stake to QIA, worth an estimated $350 million, injects capital directly into Sauber. This move is seen as pivotal in accelerating Audi's journey to competitiveness ahead of its planned entry as a works team in 2026.
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Dollner refuted suggestions that the deal was a reaction to VW's financial pressures, stating that discussions with QIA began long before recent developments at the German carmaker.
“Not at all," he said. "When I stepped in as CEO of Audi, we had a review of the project, and the question was how to proceed. And that was one year ago.
"Part of the decision to really go all in and continue this program was that we have to think bigger, and to think bigger in the context of a complex transition phase the whole industry is in.
"So we decided to take in partners as other teams do, to be able to really build a strong team. So it's not related.
"We started the meetings exactly one year ago. On the 29th of November, QIA, for the first time, visited our facilities in Neuburg, and were able to see the passion and the professionalism the team has."
While details of QIA's involvement are still unfolding, Dollner assured that Audi would maintain its role as the team's title sponsor from 2026 onward, also noting that discussions about whether QIA-affiliated brands would gain naming rights were ongoing, with no decisions made yet.
"We are right now having a broad view on that. No decisions made so far," he said. “It will definitely be Audi as title sponsor of the team. And however the constellation is, the future will show."
Sauber COO Mattia Binotto welcomed the QIA investment as a crucial step in transforming the team into a front-runner. He stressed that the financial support would help bridge the gap to the leading F1 teams, positioning Audi-Sauber for long-term success.
"I think at the end, it is whatever is needed to bring the team to become a winning team," Binotto said. "And if you look [at] the gap to the top teams and the winning teams today, certainly there is a lot which is needed."
Audi's partnership with QIA marks a significant milestone in its Formula 1 journey, underscoring its resolve to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Despite the challenges faced by its parent company, the German manufacturer is pressing ahead with its ambitious plans, signaling a potentially bright future for the Audi-Sauber collaboration.
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