News Summary
- Audi insists its Formula 1 programme is protected from Volkswagen’s financial difficulties, despite plans for approximately 50,000 job cuts across the group.
- CEO Gernot Döllner says the team operates under an independent financing model and aims to reach break-even before 2030.
- Audi expects to retain majority ownership of its F1 operation and remains committed to challenging for world championships by the end of the decade.
Audi has dismissed concerns that Volkswagen’s financial crisis could threaten its Formula 1 programme, insisting that the factory team operates under an independent financing structure designed to protect its long-term future.
The Volkswagen Group is undergoing extensive restructuring, including plans to eliminate approximately 50,000 jobs, while facing pressure on profitability across its automotive businesses. Those difficulties have raised questions about major investments within the group, particularly Audi’s ambitious Formula 1 project, which entered the championship as a factory team in 2026.
However, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has rejected suggestions that the financial pressure could force the manufacturer to reconsider its commitment to the championship.
“No. The project is completely independent,” Döllner told Sport Bild. “Both from the Volkswagen Group and from Audi as a company. That was and is immensely important to us.”
Audi says its F1 funding is separate from Volkswagen
Döllner explained that the financial structure was established before Audi committed to becoming a Formula 1 constructor, rather than being introduced in response to Volkswagen’s current difficulties.
“Before taking the step towards Formula 1 three years ago, we developed a business case that includes independent financing,” he said. “The goal is for this to reach break-even within this decade.”
The arrangement means Audi’s Formula 1 operation has its own business plan, supported by commercial income and outside investment, rather than depending exclusively on funding from the manufacturer’s road-car operations.
That distinction has become particularly important as Volkswagen attempts to reduce costs and improve profitability. Although the racing team remains associated with Audi’s global brand and technology strategy, its financing was designed around a separate commercial model.
Qatar investment strengthens Audi’s position
A central element of that structure is the involvement of Qatar Investment Authority, which acquired a significant minority stake in the former Sauber organisation before Audi’s factory entry.
The investment provided additional capital for infrastructure, recruitment and technical development, helping the manufacturer expand its operations in Hinwil, Switzerland, and Neuburg, Germany.
Döllner welcomed the partnership while declining to disclose the precise ownership percentages.
“We won’t comment publicly on figures, but we’re pleased to have a strong and reliable partner by our side,” he said.
The Audi CEO also acknowledged that further investment could be considered under the existing ownership structure, although another share sale is not currently planned.
“The structure we have, with Qatar as a partner and us as the majority shareholder, allows for this,” he explained.
Audi intends to remain the majority owner, with Döllner emphasising the importance of clear management responsibilities as the team continues developing.
Audi refuses to abandon its 2030 F1 title target
Audi’s financial assurances come during a challenging debut season under Formula 1’s new technical regulations.
The manufacturer took over Sauber and developed its own power unit, bringing together a new factory operation under the leadership of Mattia Binotto. Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg have scored points, but Audi remains eighth in the Constructors’ Championship heading into Singapore.
Döllner nevertheless believes the team’s long-term objectives remain achievable.
“That is still our goal, yes,” he said when asked whether Audi intends to fight for the world championship by 2030. “We will — and already have — had to accept setbacks along the way. But that’s part of it.”
The manufacturer has consistently described 2030 as the point by which it wants to become a genuine championship contender, rather than expecting immediate success during its first seasons.
Bortoleto confirms progress with Audi’s latest upgrade
Audi’s latest aerodynamic development has provided encouragement after a difficult Azerbaijan GP.
Speaking ahead of Singapore, Bortoleto confirmed that the package introduced before Baku delivered the improvements expected by the team, particularly through corner entry, mid-corner and exit.
“We concluded it worked. It worked pretty OK, like we expected,” the Brazilian said.
The update helped Audi recover competitiveness at Sepang, although the midfield remains closely contested. The team now faces another challenge at Marina Bay, where slow-speed performance and traction will be particularly important.
The contrast between the manufacturer’s long-term financial security and its immediate sporting difficulties reflects the scale of the project Audi has undertaken.
The Singapore GP takes place from October 9-11, with sprint qualifying on Friday and Sunday’s Grand Prix beginning at 20:00 local time.
Singapore GP 2026: F1 schedule and start times
The 2026 Singapore GP takes place from October 9-11 at Marina Bay, featuring a sprint weekend with five Formula 1 sessions. See the start times for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, India, Australia and New Zealand.
| Session | UK (BST) | US/Canada (ET) | India (IST) | Australia (AEDT) | New Zealand (NZDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, October 9 | |||||
| Free Practice 1 | 09:30 | 04:30 | 14:00 | 19:30 | 21:30 |
| Sprint qualifying | 13:30 | 08:30 | 18:00 | 23:30 | Sat 01:30 |
| Saturday, October 10 | |||||
| Sprint | 10:00 | 05:00 | 14:30 | 20:00 | 22:00 |
| Grand Prix qualifying | 14:00 | 09:00 | 18:30 | Sun 00:00 | Sun 02:00 |
| Sunday, October 11 | |||||
| Grand Prix | 13:00 | 08:00 | 17:30 | 23:00 | Mon 01:00 |
All times are local to each listed region. Australia refers to Sydney/Melbourne time (AEDT), New Zealand to Auckland/Wellington (NZDT), and ET to New York/Toronto. Dates are the same as Singapore unless otherwise indicated.
For additional details, see the complete Singapore GP schedule and how to watch. GRANDE PRÊMIO follows the latest Formula 1 news throughout the Singapore GP weekend.
F1 today: FAQ
What time is the 2026 Singapore GP?
The Singapore GP starts at 20:00 local time on Sunday, October 11. That is 13:00 in the UK, 08:00 ET in the US and Canada and 17:30 in India. Singapore is a sprint weekend, with sprint qualifying on Friday and the sprint on Saturday.
Why does George Russell have a grid penalty in Singapore?
Russell has exhausted his permitted allocation of four engines after suffering a power-unit failure at Sepang. Mercedes must introduce another unit, triggering a grid penalty for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The penalty does not apply to Saturday’s sprint.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the F1 championship in Singapore?
No. Antonelli leads Russell by 84 points, 320 to 236, but cannot mathematically secure the 2026 title in Singapore. His first opportunity to become world champion comes at the United States GP in Austin.
Is Audi leaving Formula 1 because of Volkswagen’s financial crisis?
No. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner says the manufacturer’s Formula 1 programme operates under an independent financing structure and remains committed to its long-term objectives.
