Audi Secures Visit Qatar as Major Partner for 2026 F1 Debut Season

Audi has officially announced a new major partnership with Visit Qatar, set to commence with their debut in the 2026 Formula 1 season. This significant agreement positions Visit Qatar as a principal partner for the Audi F1 team, which will take over the Sauber-run operation, currently known as Stake. The German manufacturer has been meticulously preparing for its entry into F1 for several years, timing its arrival with the sport's new era under revised technical regulations. This move highlights Audi's aggressive strategy to build a formidable presence from day one, having already secured financial platform Revolut as a title sponsor for next year.

Why it matters:

• Audi's entry into Formula 1 is a pivotal moment, marking a significant investment from a major automotive manufacturer in the sport's future.
• Securing high-profile partners like Visit Qatar demonstrates strong commercial confidence in Audi's F1 project and the sport's growing global appeal.
• These partnerships are crucial for funding the extensive research and development required to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport and establish a competitive team infrastructure.

The details:

• Partnership Agreement: Visit Qatar will join as a principal partner for the Audi F1 squad in its maiden 2026 season, complementing the previously announced title sponsorship with Revolut.
• Strategic Timing: Audi's entry aligns with the implementation of new technical regulations, particularly concerning power units, which aims to create a more level playing field for new entrants.
• Team Transition: Audi will officially take over the Sauber-run team, currently operating under the Stake branding, as part of its long-term strategy for F1 integration.
• Driver Line-up: The confirmed driver pairing for Audi's 2026 campaign includes seasoned F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg and promising young talent Gabriel Bortoleto.
• Global Exposure: According to team boss Jonathan Wheatley, the partnership with Visit Qatar aims to leverage F1's global platform to showcase Qatar's culture, warmth, and innovation through unique fan events, cultural showcases, and digital experiences.

What's next:

With the 2026 season still some time away, Audi's focus will remain on developing its power unit and chassis in parallel, while continuing to build its commercial portfolio. The integration of its driver line-up and the complete transition of the Sauber team into the Audi F1 structure will be critical milestones leading up to their highly anticipated debut. The strategic alliances formed now are laying the groundwork for what Audi hopes will be a successful and competitive entry into Formula 1.