Why is Mercedes F1 now worth more than Liverpool, Barcelona & PSG?
The world of sports has always been a multibillion-dollar industry, with top teams and franchises commanding staggering valuations. However, a recent development in the world of Formula 1 has sent shockwaves through the sports business community. CrowdStrike Founder George Kurtz has acquired a 15% stake in Toto Wolff’s investment company, which owns one-third of the Mercedes F1 team. This deal has given Kurtz an effective 5% stake in the team and has put a staggering ₹53,774 crore valuation on Mercedes.
To put this valuation into perspective, according to Forbes estimates, Mercedes is now worth more than some of the biggest names in football, including Liverpool (₹48,397 crore), Barcelona (₹50,637 crore), and PSG (₹41,227 crore). This is a remarkable turn of events, considering that these football clubs have massive global followings and are considered to be among the most valuable sports teams in the world.
So, what has driven the valuation of Mercedes F1 to such dizzying heights? There are several factors at play here. Firstly, the popularity of Formula 1 has been on the rise in recent years, with the sport experiencing a significant surge in viewership and fan engagement. This is largely due to the efforts of Liberty Media, the company that owns the commercial rights to F1, which has worked tirelessly to promote the sport and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
Another factor that has contributed to the increased valuation of Mercedes F1 is the team’s on-track success. The team has been one of the dominant forces in F1 in recent years, winning numerous championships and consistently performing at a high level. This success has not only led to increased prize money and sponsorship revenue but has also helped to build a strong brand that is attractive to investors and fans alike.
The involvement of Toto Wolff, the team principal and CEO of Mercedes F1, has also been a key factor in the team’s success and increased valuation. Wolff is a highly respected figure in the world of F1, known for his business acumen and his ability to build and lead high-performing teams. His investment company, which owns one-third of Mercedes F1, has been instrumental in securing the team’s financial future and attracting new investors, such as George Kurtz.
The ₹2,688 crore deal that has given Kurtz a 5% stake in Mercedes F1 is a significant investment, and it highlights the growing interest in F1 from the business and investment community. Kurtz, who is the founder of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, is a well-known entrepreneur and investor, and his involvement with Mercedes F1 is a testament to the team’s strong brand and financial prospects.
The valuation of Mercedes F1 is also a reflection of the growing importance of sponsorship and commercial revenue in the world of F1. The team has a number of high-profile sponsors, including Petronas, Pirelli, and IWC, and its commercial revenue has been increasing steadily in recent years. This revenue stream is likely to continue to grow, as F1 becomes more popular and more attractive to sponsors and advertisers.
In conclusion, the valuation of Mercedes F1 at ₹53,774 crore is a remarkable achievement, and it highlights the team’s strong brand, financial prospects, and on-track success. The involvement of investors such as George Kurtz and Toto Wolff has been instrumental in securing the team’s financial future and attracting new investment. As F1 continues to grow in popularity and attract new fans and sponsors, it is likely that the valuation of Mercedes F1 will continue to rise, making it one of the most valuable sports teams in the world.
The fact that Mercedes F1 is now worth more than Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG is a significant development, and it highlights the growing importance of F1 in the world of sports. While these football clubs have massive global followings and are considered to be among the most valuable sports teams in the world, Mercedes F1 has been able to surpass them in terms of valuation. This is a testament to the team’s strong brand, financial prospects, and on-track success, and it highlights the growing appeal of F1 to investors, fans, and sponsors.
As the world of sports continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how the valuation of Mercedes F1 and other sports teams changes over time. One thing is certain, however: the involvement of investors such as George Kurtz and Toto Wolff has helped to secure the financial future of Mercedes F1, and the team is well-positioned to continue to thrive and grow in the years to come.
Source:
https://www.reuters.com/business/crowdstrike-founder-kurtz-buys-into-mercedes-f1-team-2025-11-20/
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