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 left many scratching their heads. 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 whopping ₹53,774 crore valuation on Mercedes. To put this 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).
So, what makes Mercedes F1 so valuable? The answer lies in the team’s consistent success on the track, combined with its shrewd business acumen off it. Mercedes has been the dominant force in F1 for several years, winning numerous championships and building a reputation as one of the most successful teams in the sport. This success has attracted a huge following, with millions of fans around the world tuning in to watch the team compete.
But Mercedes’ value goes beyond just its on-track performance. The team has also been highly successful in terms of its commercial operations, with a strong roster of sponsors and partners. The team’s ability to attract and retain top talent, both on and off the track, has been a key factor in its success. From its highly experienced drivers to its skilled engineers and technicians, Mercedes has built a team that is capable of competing at the highest level.
Another factor that has contributed to Mercedes’ valuation is its ownership structure. Toto Wolff’s investment company, which owns one-third of the team, has been instrumental in driving the team’s commercial success. Wolff’s business acumen and leadership have been key factors in the team’s ability to attract and retain top sponsors and partners. The fact that Kurtz has acquired a stake in Wolff’s investment company is a testament to the team’s strong financial prospects.
The deal between Kurtz and Wolff’s investment company is also significant because it highlights the growing interest in F1 from outside investors. Kurtz, who is the founder of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, is not a traditional player in the world of F1. However, he has clearly seen the potential for growth and returns on investment in the sport. This is a trend that is likely to continue, as more and more investors look to get in on the action in F1.
The valuation of Mercedes F1 also raises interesting questions about the relative values of different sports teams. While Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG are all highly successful and valuable franchises in their own right, they are still worth less than Mercedes. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the global reach and popularity of F1, as well as the team’s highly successful commercial operations.
In conclusion, the fact that Mercedes F1 is now worth more than Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG is a testament to the team’s success on and off the track. The team’s consistent performance, combined with its shrewd business acumen, has made it one of the most valuable teams in sports. The deal between Kurtz and Wolff’s investment company is a significant development in the world of F1, and highlights the growing interest in the sport from outside investors. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the valuations of different teams change over time.
For now, Mercedes F1 is sitting pretty at the top of the valuation tree. With a strong team, a solid ownership structure, and a growing fan base, the team is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come. Whether you are a fan of F1 or just a casual observer, it is clear that Mercedes is a team to watch.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/crowdstrike-founder-kurtz-buys-into-mercedes-f1-team-2025-11-20/