Why is Mercedes F1 now worth more than Liverpool, Barcelona & PSG?
The world of sports has always been a hub for massive investments and valuations. Recently, a significant deal has been struck in the realm of Formula 1, with CrowdStrike Founder George Kurtz acquiring a 15% stake in Toto Wolff’s investment company. This company, in turn, owns one-third of the Mercedes F1 team, thereby giving Kurtz an effective 5% stake in the team. The deal, valued at ₹2,688 crore, has put a staggering ₹53,774 crore valuation on Mercedes, making it one of the most valuable teams in the world of sports.
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 feat, considering the massive following and financial might of these football clubs. So, what factors have contributed to Mercedes’ soaring valuation, and what does this mean for the world of sports?
One key factor is the immense popularity and viewership of Formula 1. With a global audience of over 500 million people, F1 is one of the most-watched sports in the world. The thrill and excitement of the sport, combined with the cutting-edge technology and innovation that goes into the cars, have made it a favorite among fans and sponsors alike. Mercedes, in particular, has been a dominant force in F1, with multiple world championships under its belt. This success on the track has translated into significant financial gains, with the team attracting top sponsors and enjoying a strong revenue stream.
Another factor contributing to Mercedes’ valuation is the growing interest in F1 from investors and sponsors. The sport has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the introduction of new regulations and a greater emphasis on sustainability. This has made F1 more attractive to investors who are looking for a sport that is not only exciting but also responsible and forward-thinking. The involvement of high-profile investors like George Kurtz, who has a proven track record of success with CrowdStrike, is a testament to the growing appeal of F1.
The deal between Kurtz and Wolff’s investment company is also a significant factor in Mercedes’ valuation. By acquiring a 15% stake in the company, Kurtz has effectively gained a 5% stake in the Mercedes F1 team. This investment is a vote of confidence in the team’s future prospects and a recognition of the significant financial potential of F1. The fact that Kurtz, a seasoned investor with a deep understanding of the tech industry, has chosen to invest in Mercedes is a testament to the team’s strong financial fundamentals and growth potential.
The implications of this deal are far-reaching, not just for Mercedes but for the world of sports as a whole. The fact that a F1 team is now worth more than some of the biggest football clubs is a significant shift in the sports landscape. It highlights the growing popularity and financial might of F1, as well as the increasing appeal of the sport to investors and sponsors.
For football clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG, this deal is a wake-up call. These clubs have traditionally been among the most valuable and successful in the world, but they now face significant competition from F1 teams like Mercedes. To stay ahead, they will need to adapt to changing viewer habits, invest in new technologies, and attract new sponsors and investors.
In conclusion, the deal between George Kurtz and Toto Wolff’s investment company has put a staggering ₹53,774 crore valuation on Mercedes, making it one of the most valuable teams in the world of sports. The factors contributing to this valuation, including the popularity of F1, the growing interest in the sport from investors and sponsors, and the significant financial potential of the team, are a testament to the strength and appeal of the sport. As the world of sports continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how F1 teams like Mercedes and football clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG adapt and compete in a rapidly changing landscape.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/crowdstrike-founder-kurtz-buys-into-mercedes-f1-team-2025-11-20/
About the Author
