In a stunning crossover of sporting worlds, golf legend Rory McIlroy and heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have joined an elite investment group taking a significant stake in the Alpine Formula 1 team.
Sporting Royalty Backs F1 Revolution
The move sees two of Britain's most celebrated athletes diversifying their portfolios into high-octane motorsport, following in the footsteps of other sporting and entertainment luminaries who've recognised F1's growing global appeal.
McIlroy, the four-time major champion, and Joshua, former unified world heavyweight champion, have partnered with a consortium that includes Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, alongside Premier League footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata.
Strategic Investment for Alpine's Future
The investment group, led by Otro Capital and RedBird Capital Partners, has acquired a 24% equity stake in Alpine Racing Ltd, valuing the F1 team at an impressive £700 million. This strategic move aims to accelerate Alpine's growth and competitive potential in the fiercely contested world of Formula 1.
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi expressed excitement about the new partnership, stating it represents "a major step forward" in the team's development and global expansion strategy.
Celebrity Investment Trend Accelerates
This investment continues the growing trend of high-profile celebrities entering the F1 arena. The sport's popularity surge, particularly in the United States, has attracted attention from across the entertainment and sporting spectrum, with recent years seeing increased celebrity involvement both as team investors and avid followers.
The involvement of such diverse sporting icons demonstrates Formula 1's expanding reach beyond traditional motorsport boundaries, creating unique crossover appeal that resonates with global audiences.
As the 2023 season continues, all eyes will be on how this star-powered investment translates to performance on the track for the Alpine team.
