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 put a valuation of ₹53,774 crore on the Mercedes F1 team, making it worth more than some of the biggest names in football, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG.
According to Forbes estimates, Liverpool is valued at ₹48,397 crore, Barcelona at ₹50,637 crore, and PSG at ₹41,227 crore. These are some of the most successful and popular football clubs in the world, with massive followings and lucrative sponsorship deals. So, how did Mercedes F1 manage to surpass them in terms of valuation?
To understand this, we need to look at the factors that contribute to the valuation of a sports team. Revenue streams, profitability, brand value, and growth potential are all key considerations. In the case of Mercedes F1, the team has been incredibly successful on the track, winning numerous championships and consistently performing at a high level. This success has translated into significant revenue growth, with the team generating hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship deals, prize money, and merchandise sales.
Another factor contributing to Mercedes F1’s high valuation is its strong brand value. The Mercedes brand is one of the most recognized and respected in the world, with a rich history and a reputation for excellence. This brand value extends beyond the world of F1, with the team’s success on the track helping to promote the Mercedes brand globally.
The deal between George Kurtz and Toto Wolff’s investment company is also significant, as it brings in a new investor with a proven track record of success. Kurtz is the founder of CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm that has experienced rapid growth in recent years. His investment in Mercedes F1 is a vote of confidence in the team’s future prospects and a recognition of the significant revenue growth potential in the world of F1.
The ₹2,688 crore deal gives Kurtz an effective 5% stake in the Mercedes F1 team, which is a significant investment in the world of F1. The fact that Kurtz was willing to pay such a high price for a stake in the team is a testament to the team’s strong financial prospects and growth potential.
So, what does this deal mean for the world of F1 and the sports industry as a whole? It highlights the growing importance of F1 as a global sports platform, with significant revenue potential and a strong brand value. It also demonstrates the appeal of F1 to investors, who are attracted to the sport’s high profile, global reach, and significant revenue growth potential.
In conclusion, the valuation of Mercedes F1 at ₹53,774 crore is a significant development in the world of sports, highlighting the team’s strong brand value, revenue growth potential, and appeal to investors. The fact that it surpasses the valuations of Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG is a testament to the growing importance of F1 as a global sports platform. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how valuations of F1 teams compare to those of other top sports franchises.
For now, it’s clear that Mercedes F1 is a highly valued and highly attractive investment opportunity, with a strong brand, significant revenue growth potential, and a proven track record of success. As the world of sports continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how the valuations of top teams and franchises change over time.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/crowdstrike-founder-kurtz-buys-into-mercedes-f1-team-2025-11-20/