Why is Mercedes F1 now worth more than Liverpool, Barcelona & PSG?
The world of sports has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with the lines between traditional sports teams and modern, high-tech franchises blurring. The latest development in this trend is the valuation of Mercedes F1, which has now surpassed that of some of the biggest names in football, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG. In a deal worth ₹2,688 crore, CrowdStrike Founder George Kurtz has acquired a 15% stake in Toto Wolff’s investment company, which owns one-third of Mercedes F1, giving Kurtz an effective 5% stake in the team. This deal puts the valuation of Mercedes F1 at a staggering ₹53,774 crore, making it one of the most valuable sports teams in the world.
According to Forbes estimates, Mercedes F1 is now worth more than Liverpool (₹48,397 crore), Barcelona (₹50,637 crore), and PSG (₹41,227 crore). This is a remarkable feat, considering that these football clubs have a massive following and are considered to be among the most successful and valuable teams in the world. So, what factors have contributed to the soaring valuation of Mercedes F1, and what does this mean for the future of sports?
One major factor is the growing popularity of Formula 1 (F1) racing. In recent years, F1 has experienced a significant surge in viewership and fan engagement, thanks in part to the success of the Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive.” The show has helped to introduce F1 to a new and younger audience, and has played a significant role in increasing the sport’s global appeal. As a result, F1 teams like Mercedes have seen a significant increase in their brand value, with Mercedes being one of the most successful and dominant teams in the sport.
Another factor is the increasing importance of technology and innovation in F1. The sport is now as much about cutting-edge technology and engineering as it is about driver skill and strategy. This has attracted a new wave of investors and sponsors who are interested in the technological advancements and innovations that are being developed in the sport. Mercedes, in particular, has been at the forefront of this trend, with its team of engineers and technicians working tirelessly to develop new and innovative solutions that give the team a competitive edge on the track.
The deal between George Kurtz and Toto Wolff’s investment company is also significant, as it marks a new era of investment and partnership in the world of F1. Kurtz, who is the founder of CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the tech industry. His investment in Mercedes F1 is a testament to the growing appeal of the sport and the potential for technological innovation and collaboration between F1 teams and tech companies.
The valuation of Mercedes F1 is also a reflection of the team’s success on the track. With multiple world championships and a reputation for excellence, Mercedes is one of the most successful and dominant teams in F1. The team’s success has been driven by its talented drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, as well as its experienced and skilled team of engineers and technicians.
The implications of this deal are far-reaching, and could have a significant impact on the future of sports. As the lines between traditional sports teams and modern, high-tech franchises continue to blur, we can expect to see more investments and partnerships between sports teams and tech companies. This could lead to new and innovative technologies being developed, as well as new revenue streams and business models.
In conclusion, the valuation of Mercedes F1 at ₹53,774 crore is a significant milestone, and marks a new era of investment and partnership in the world of F1. The team’s success on the track, combined with its growing popularity and technological advancements, have made it an attractive investment opportunity for tech investors like George Kurtz. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, we can expect to see more deals like this in the future, and a continued blurring of the lines between traditional sports teams and modern, high-tech franchises.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/crowdstrike-founder-kurtz-buys-into-mercedes-f1-team-2025-11-20/