Audi Formula One Debut: Qatar Invests in Luxury Carmaker’s Racing Team
Qatar’s Growing Sports Portfolio
Qatar’s estimated US$510 billion sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has acquired a significant minority stake in Audi’s Formula One team. The deal, announced during the Qatar Grand Prix, marks a significant expansion of Qatar’s global sports portfolio.
Audi’s Formula One Debut
Audi, Volkswagen’s luxury brand, is set to make its Formula One debut in the 2026 season. The German carmaker has acquired 100% of Switzerland-based Sauber, which will become its factory team. Sauber is the only team yet to score a point in 22 Formula One races this season.
Qatar’s Investment in Audi
The QIA’s holding in Audi’s Formula One team will be almost a third of the team. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The QIA also owns a 17% stake in Germany’s Volkswagen, which owns Audi.
Qatar’s Sports Holdings
Qatar’s other sporting holdings include France’s Ligue 1 club Paris St-Germain, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a state-backed body founded by the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. QSI also acquired World Padel Tour from its organisers Damm last year and unified the world’s professional tour under one entity, ending a power struggle in the sport.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s Bid for Manchester United
The Gulf state’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, son of a former prime minister, last year bid US$6 billion for English Premier League club Manchester United before dropping out.
Conclusion
Qatar’s investment in Audi’s Formula One team marks a significant expansion of its global sports portfolio. The deal is expected to bring new opportunities for Audi and Qatar, as the luxury carmaker prepares to make its Formula One debut in the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of Qatar’s investment in Audi’s Formula One team?
Qatar’s investment in Audi’s Formula One team marks a significant expansion of its global sports portfolio and provides a new opportunity for the luxury carmaker to grow its presence in the racing world. - What is the financial value of Qatar’s investment in Audi’s Formula One team?
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. - What other sporting holdings does Qatar have?
Qatar’s other sporting holdings include France’s Ligue 1 club Paris St-Germain and World Padel Tour. - Who is Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani?
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is the son of a former prime minister and bid US$6 billion for English Premier League club Manchester United before dropping out.