Audi’s Formula 1 project has returned to the spotlight as reports now claim that Qatar are on the verge of acquiring a shareholding in it.

Audi decided to enter F1 in 2026 when new chassis and power unit regulations are set to be introduced, with the sport bending over to attract new manufacturers.

The upcoming power units will drop the MGU-H (the component that harnesses electricity from exhaust gases), which car manufacturers consider not being road relevant, and despite that, only Audi ventured into the sport with its own works team by buying Sauber.

While Porsche explored the possibility of joining F1 with Red Bull Racing, the discussions did not reach a positive conclusion. Instead, Red Bull joined forces with Ford.

There have always been doubts about the state of affairs within the infant Audi F1 project, with a recent change of management ousting CEO Andreas Seidl casting some doubts.

Along with the departure of Seidl, Oliver Hoffmann, previously Chairman of the Boards of Directors of all Sauber companies, also left the company.

Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto joined as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer, while Red Bull Racing’s Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley was signed as team principal.

In terms of drivers, Nico Hulkenberg was signed from Haas, while 2024 Formula 2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto was hired as the German’s teammate.

However, recently some new rumors have emerged regarding Audi, as veteran F1 journalist Joe Saward revealed in his Green Notebook from Brazil that Qatar are close to agreeing a deal to buy a stake in the German F1 project.

Following that, a new report in Motorsport.com claimed that rumors are true with expectation for the deal to be finalized this week while the announcement will be ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for December 1.

VW unable to pay the money needed for Audi’s F1 success?

It seems that VW, currently going through an economic crisis are unable to pump enough money into the Audi F1 project with reports about giant German car manufacturing group closing factories while around 30,000 employees are set to lose their jobs.

Audi gave the classic answer when asked about the rumors: “As a matter of principle, we do not comment on speculation.”

Qatar, on the other hand, is already a stakeholder in the VW group, with a 17% stake, making them the third largest investor in the group, and is reportedly willing to splash up to €1-Billion on the right F1 project.

The small, cash-rich Gulf country signed a 10-year contract to host an F1 race, and their national carrier, Qatar Airways, is a sponsor of the championship.

Saward, in his blog, claimed that Audi’s F1 project may even have a name change once and if Qatar closes the deal, while Motorsport.com claimed the name change depends on how large the bought stake ends up being.

Saward also hinted at Audi potentially dropping their engine program.

Interesting days ahead for Audi’s F1 team, and what makes matters more interesting is how much changes F1 has agreed to attract new car manufacturers.

While Audi has been the only one to join—Ford’s Red Bull deal is not a full-fledged involvement yet—it seems the new entrants are already in trouble before even having any F1 cars on track.

Watch this space…

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