Qatar's long-term investment in the future Audi Formula One team, announced at the country's grand prix on Friday, brings obvious benefits for both and increases the Gulf region's influence in the sport.

Audi has sold a stake in its Formula One team to Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund ahead of the German manufacturer’s entry to the sport in 2026. Audi announced on Friday ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) had acquired a “significant minority stake” in the team,

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced that it had acquired a significant minority stake in Sauber Holding AG, which will become Audi’s F1 factory team in 2026.