In 2026, Formula 1 will welcome a new team, Cadillac F1, with a brand that will become an engine manufacturer in 2028 or later. For the CEO of Audi, who will also arrive in 2026, this is good news about the attractiveness of Formula 1 in the future.
“Yes, a new engine manufacturer will join Formula 1” said Gernot Döllner. “It shows the strengths of Formula 1 and this platform, and it’s a strong signal to have another manufacturer on the grid. I think competition is what we need and it only helps. “add value to our project.”
Audi recently announced the sale of a stake in the team to Qatar, and Döllner explains the reasons for the deal: “We were approached by many investors, so we didn’t have to do any research.”
“But a year ago, Qatar visited our Hinwil factory, the powertrain unit, and from what they saw – the professionalism, the strategic vision, the layout – they were convinced. From there, we had constructive discussions and built this partnership.”
-The German explains that this entry into Qatar’s capital increases the value of the team and is not synonymous with a partial withdrawal from Audi: “The arrival of this strong partner is a model that many other teams have adopted. And it is, from our point of view, a necessary step to become one of the best teams in the future.”
“At Audi the project is viewed positively and I think it reinforces the message that we are truly committed to a long-term investment in Formula 1. This is a capital injection into the project, which does not reduce Audi’s commitment, but adds money to the project. It is therefore a strong signal.
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