10. Finn Rausing

Finn Rausing and his siblings Kirsten and Jörn are heirs to the Tetra Pak packaging empire. The company was founded by his grandfather Ruben, who became Europe’s first self-made billionaire.

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Finn’s grandfather founded Tetra Pak and invented aseptic packaging technology. The new packaging allowed beverages such as milk and orange juice to be stored in cartons rather than glass bottles.
His late father, Gad, bought out Finn’s uncle Hans in 1995 for an estimated $7 billion. Along with his siblings, Rausing also owns a stake in International Flavors & Fragrances.

Rausing first got involved in Formula 1 in 2016. Marcus Ericsson, another Swede who drove for the Sauber F1 team when it was having money problems, got in touch with him.

Rausing bought out owner Peter Sauber and CEO Monisha Kaltenborn at first through his secretive Swiss investment firm Longbow Finance SA. He later transferred the ownership to himself.

He appointed trusted family friend Pascal Picci as chairman and took no active role in the team’s running. Rausing invests for fun and doesn’t want the media to notice when he goes to race weekends.

He is a regular visitor to the factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, spending hours happily chatting with engineers.

The team was renamed Alfa Romeo Racing in 2019 after a technical and commercial partnership was signed in 2018 by the late Fiat boss Sergio Marchione. Ferrari engines power the team, and like the Alfa Romeo sponsorship, both deals will expire soon.

The question for Rausing, who financially supports the team to the tune of $20 to $30 million per season, is what he will do next.

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Well, Alfa Romeo’s continued involvement rests on decisions taken at a higher level by the newly created parent group Stellantis – the most prominent car conglomerate in the world. Rausing had to find a new title sponsor to replace Alfa Romeo, who is leaving.

A new engine deal has been speculated on with Renault, who are keen to have a customer team to supply the works Alpine team additionally, but in all likelihood, the team will stay with Ferrari.

Rausing may put his businessman’s hat on and look to sell the team in favourable market conditions.

Sauber Motorsport has recently announced an agreement with Audi AG for the Sauber Group to become the strategic partner of Audi’s F1 programme. Audi AG also acquired a 25% stake in the Sauber Group. After announcing its entry into Formula One as a power unit manufacturer, to coincide with the introduction of the new, innovative engine formula in 2026, Audi has chosen Sauber Motorsport as its works team from the 2026 season onwards.

Finn Rausing commented on a deal: “Audi is the best strategic partner for the Sauber Group. We clearly share values and a vision, and we look forward to achieving our common goals in a strong and successful partnership.”