Cadillac entry adds value to Audi's F1 project - Döllner

Cadillac’s planned entry into Formula 1 adds further value to Audi’s own project that begins in full in 2026, according to its CEO Gernot Döllner. Audi is taking over the Sauber team currently competing as Stake to have its own works set-up from the start of the new regulations in 12 months time. There is set to be another new team joining at the same stage with General Motors becoming the 11th constructor on the grid – subject to receiving its official entry from the FIA – and Döllner says it’s an arrival that reinforces Audi’s own position. “Yeah, a new OEM is coming to join Formula 1,” Döllner said. “It shows the strengths of Formula 1 and that platform, and it’s a strong signal to have another OEM in the lineup. And I think competition is what we need, and it’s just adding value to our project.” Audi announced additional resources for its F1 project though an investment from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in November, with the deal coming into effect this month, and Döllner says there were a number of interested parties wanting to be involved. “We were approached by a lot of investors, so we didn’t really have to start a search. But one year ago, Qatar … they visited our Hinwil facility, the powertrain unit, and from what they’ve seen there – professionalism, the strategic vision, the setup – they were convinced. From there on, we have been in constructive discussions and built that partnership.” Döllner also believes the additional funding brought to the table by QIA reinforces Audi’s commitment to its F1 project, and like the Cadillac project – that includes investment from billionaire Mark Walter – shows it has the resource to eventually challenge at the front. “Bringing in this strong partner is a model a lot of other teams have. And it’s, from our perspective, a necessary step to become one of the top teams in the future. “At Audi, the project is seen positively anyhow, and I think it just strengthens the message that we are really into a long-term investment in Formula 1. And it’s a capital injection to the project, so it doesn’t reduce Audi’s commitment, it adds money to the project. So, it’s a strong signal.”