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,

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.

A statement from the German car company said the Gulf state would buy a “significant minority” in the team, which is entering F1 in 2026. The deal will be completed next year, after Audi has taken full ownership of the Sauber team that is the basis for its entry.

McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull all still in the hunt for Formula 1 team title. McLaren leads the standings with 608 points, 24 ahead of Ferrari, with 103 points still up for grabs across the Qatar Sprint Race (15), Qatar Grand Prix (44) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (44).

Formula One statistics for the Qatar Grand Prix, penultimate round of the 24-race season which also features the sixth and last Saturday sprint of 2024:

Here is all you need to know about the 2024 F1 Qatar Grand Prix, including start times and how to watch live on TV.