Kick Sauber's valuation jumped to $1.9 billion from $700 million, a 168.6% surge driven entirely by Audi AG's commitment to assume majority control and inject factory resources into the team. this 2.7x multiple expansion positions Sauber at the midpoint of established F1 franchises—above McLaren Racing's $1.5 billion but below Ferrari's $4.5 billion. The valuation reflects Audi's €500 million investment pledge, technical partnership with Porsche, and guaranteed seat-filling leverage through 2026. This is not organic performance gain. Ferrari and Mercedes command premiums tied to heritage and manufacturer verticals; Sauber now enters that tier solely on capital infusion and brand backing. The risk: execution risk on power unit development and driver market competition could erode value if Audi's F1 strategy underperforms expectations in 2025-2026.