Why is Mercedes F1 now worth more than Liverpool, Barcelona & PSG?
The world of sports has always been a complex and intriguing landscape, with various teams and franchises vying for dominance in their respective fields. In recent years, the lines between traditional sports and high-tech industries have become increasingly blurred, with investors and entrepreneurs from the tech world taking notice of the vast potential for growth and returns in the sports sector. One such example is the recent acquisition of a stake in the Mercedes F1 team by CrowdStrike Founder George Kurtz, which has sent shockwaves through the sports and business communities.
In a deal worth ₹2,688 crore, Kurtz has acquired a 15% stake in Toto Wolff’s investment company, which owns one-third of the Mercedes F1 team. This effectively gives Kurtz a 5% stake in the team, and puts the overall valuation of Mercedes at a staggering ₹53,774 crore. To put this in 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 a combination of factors, including the team’s on-track success, its lucrative sponsorship deals, and the growing popularity of Formula 1 as a global sport. Mercedes has been one of the dominant forces in F1 in recent years, with a record-breaking seven consecutive constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2020. This success has not only brought in prize money and trophies but also attracted a slew of high-profile sponsors, including the likes of Petronas, Pirelli, and IWC.
In addition to its on-track success, Mercedes has also been at the forefront of the F1 team’s commercial operations. The team has a strong brand identity and a significant social media following, which has helped to attract new fans and sponsors to the sport. The team’s owner, Toto Wolff, has been instrumental in driving the team’s commercial growth, and his investment company has played a key role in securing new partnerships and deals.
The acquisition of a stake in Mercedes F1 by George Kurtz is also significant, as it marks a new era of collaboration between the tech and sports industries. Kurtz is a well-known entrepreneur and investor, with a track record of success in the cybersecurity sector. His investment in Mercedes F1 is a testament to the growing interest in sports among tech investors, who see the potential for growth and returns in the sector.
The deal also highlights the growing trend of outside investors taking stakes in sports teams. In recent years, we have seen a surge in investment from private equity firms, venture capitalists, and other outside investors in sports teams across various leagues and disciplines. This trend is driven by the growing popularity of sports as a form of entertainment, as well as the potential for returns on investment through sponsorship deals, media rights, and other revenue streams.
The valuation of Mercedes F1 at ₹53,774 crore is also a significant milestone, as it puts the team among the most valuable sports franchises in the world. According to Forbes, the top five most valuable sports teams in the world are the Dallas Cowboys (₹64,441 crore), the New York Yankees (₹63,291 crore), Barcelona (₹50,637 crore), Real Madrid (₹49,435 crore), and the Los Angeles Rams (₹48,397 crore). Mercedes F1’s valuation puts it just outside the top five, but still among the most valuable sports franchises in the world.
In conclusion, the acquisition of a stake in Mercedes F1 by CrowdStrike Founder George Kurtz is a significant development in the world of sports and business. The deal highlights the growing interest in sports among tech investors, as well as the potential for returns on investment in the sector. With its on-track success, lucrative sponsorship deals, and growing popularity as a global sport, Mercedes F1 is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years to come.
As the sports and business landscapes continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other teams and franchises respond to the growing trend of outside investment in sports. One thing is certain, however: the acquisition of a stake in Mercedes F1 by George Kurtz is a significant milestone in the world of sports, and one that will have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/crowdstrike-founder-kurtz-buys-into-mercedes-f1-team-2025-11-20/
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