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, in a surprising turn of events, Mercedes F1 has emerged as one of the most valuable sports teams in the world, with a recent investment deal valuing the team at a whopping ₹53,774 crore. To put this into perspective, Mercedes F1 is now worth more than some of the biggest football clubs in the world, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG.
The deal in question involves CrowdStrike Founder George Kurtz, who has acquired a 15% stake in Toto Wolff’s investment company, which owns one-third of Mercedes F1. This gives Kurtz an effective 5% stake in the team, with the deal valued at ₹2,688 crore. According to Forbes estimates, this puts Mercedes F1 ahead of Liverpool (valued at ₹48,397 crore), Barcelona (valued at ₹50,637 crore), and PSG (valued at ₹41,227 crore) in terms of valuation.
So, what makes Mercedes F1 so valuable? The answer lies in the team’s incredible success on the track, combined with the growing popularity of Formula 1 as a global sport. Mercedes has dominated the sport in recent years, winning numerous championships and establishing itself as one of the most successful teams in F1 history. This success has translated into significant revenue growth, with the team generating hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and prize money.
Another key factor contributing to Mercedes F1’s valuation is the team’s strong brand identity. The Mercedes brand is one of the most recognizable and respected in the world, with a rich history and a reputation for excellence. This brand equity has helped the team to attract top sponsors and partners, including the likes of Petronas, Puma, and IWC. The team’s social media following is also impressive, with millions of fans around the world engaging with the team’s content and drivers.
In addition to its on-track success and brand identity, Mercedes F1 has also invested heavily in its infrastructure and facilities. The team’s headquarters in Brackley, UK, is a state-of-the-art facility that features cutting-edge technology and equipment. The team has also invested in a range of other areas, including driver development, aerodynamics, and data analysis. This investment has helped the team to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as one of the top teams in F1.
The investment deal between George Kurtz and Toto Wolff’s investment company is also significant, as it highlights the growing interest in F1 from outside investors. Kurtz, who is the founder and CEO of CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity company, is a well-known entrepreneur and investor. His investment in Mercedes F1 is a vote of confidence in the team’s future prospects and a recognition of the significant growth potential of the sport.
The deal also highlights the changing landscape of sports ownership and investment. In the past, sports teams were often owned by individuals or families, but in recent years, there has been a trend towards more diversified ownership structures. This includes investment from private equity firms, venture capital companies, and other outside investors. The investment in Mercedes F1 by George Kurtz is a prime example of this trend, and it is likely that we will see more deals of this nature in the future.
In conclusion, the valuation of Mercedes F1 at ₹53,774 crore is a significant milestone for the team and the sport of Formula 1. The team’s success on the track, combined with its strong brand identity and investment in infrastructure and facilities, has made it one of the most valuable sports teams in the world. The investment deal between George Kurtz and Toto Wolff’s investment company is a recognition of the team’s growth potential and a vote of confidence in the future of the sport.
As the world of sports continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the valuation of Mercedes F1 and other top teams changes over time. One thing is certain, however: the sport of Formula 1 is here to stay, and teams like Mercedes F1 will continue to be major players in the global sports landscape.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/crowdstrike-founder-kurtz-buys-into-mercedes-f1-team-2025-11-20/