Elite Athletes and Celebrities Rally Behind Alpine F1
In an unprecedented show of sportsmanship and business acumen, an ensemble of global sports icons, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Anthony Joshua, and Rory McIlroy, have stepped into the high-octane world of Formula 1 by joining the investor consortium for Alpine F1, facilitated through Otro Capital.
This strategic move marks a significant endorsement for the motor racing team and an exciting confluence of top-tier athletic prowess with the technological sophistication and dynamism of Formula 1.
In a recent development that underscores the blurring lines between various sporting disciplines and business, Otro Capital announced the addition of these high-profile athletes to its elite group of investors in Alpine. They join an already distinguished cadre that includes RedBird Capital Partners, Maximum Effort Investments, and Hollywood mainstay Ryan Reynolds. This assembly of investors underscores the broadening appeal of Formula 1 beyond its traditional confines, attracting personalities known for their excellence in sports as diverse as football, boxing, and golf.
This collaboration began when Otro Capital, alongside its premier partners, funneled €200m into Alpine, securing a substantial 24% stake in the renowned French racing outfit. The inclusion of globally recognized sports figures not only amplifies the brand value of Alpine F1 but also signals a burgeoning interest in the sport from sectors previously unassociated with racing.
Kansas City Chiefs' sensations Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, golfing maestro Rory McIlroy, boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua, and Liverpool's football virtuoso Trent Alexander-Arnold headline the new entrants into the investment group. Their involvement marks a pivotal moment, highlighting the universal appeal of Formula 1 racing and its burgeoning stature within the global sports fraternity.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Travis Kelce stated, “I am thrilled to lead an investor group and join forces with Patrick and the team at Otro Capital on this exciting venture with Alpine F1. Our shared passion for excellence and innovation forms the cornerstone of this partnership. It’s about being able to contribute to a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of success. I am looking forward to this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce // USA Today Sports
Echoing his sentiments, Patrick Mahomes shared, “I’ve always had a passion for all sports. The opportunity to lead an investor group with Travis in Alpine F1 alongside Otro Capital was one I couldn’t pass up. It’s an exciting time for the sport and this is an opportunity to bring our shared values to the world stage. I’m looking forward to being a part of its growth.”
Their sentiments were a common thread among the new investors. “The chance to strategically invest with Otro Capital in Alpine was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore," Anthony Joshua chimed in. "The heritage of the team, mixed with the global growth of Formula 1 as a sport and brand made this a very serious proposition. I am excited to start this journey with Otro and a great group of fellow investors and hope to help the team achieve its full potential.”
In a similar vein, Rory McIlroy offered, “Passion for excellence on the golf course has led me to admire the same pursuit in Formula 1. Partnering with Otro Capital in Alpine F1 is an exhilarating venture that unites my love for sports, competition, and the relentless drive to be the best.”
The synergy between high-stakes sports extends beyond the racetrack and the football field, drawing in investment savvy personalities like Juan Mata, formerly of Manchester United and Chelsea, and Roger Ehrenberg, the finance wizard behind Eberg Capital and an investor in major sports franchises like the Miami Marlins and Real Salt Lake.
Trent Alexander-Arnold couldn’t hide his excitement, stating, “I’m excited to be joining Otro Capital’s group as an investor into Alpine F1 along with my brother Tyler. Having been to Formula 1 races as a fan, I love the high-pressure environment of the paddock and I’ve seen first hand how incredibly impressive the Alpine team is. Our shared goal as an investment group is to help contribute to its continued success on the grid, at a time when F1 is facing incredible growth as a sport. As a footballer, I understand the importance of teamwork, innovation, and determination in achieving goals.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold // Getty Images
On behalf of Otro Capital, co-founder Alec Scheiner warmly welcomed the new influx of investors, saying, “We are honoured at Otro Capital to be joined by this particular group of investors into our Alpine F1 investment in partnership with RedBird Capital Partners and Maximum Effort Investments. These are best in class investors, athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs and they are all committed to elevating the Alpine F1 team.”
This collaboration represents more than just a financial venture; it's a fusion of world-class talents from diverse fields, all uniting under the banner of sportsmanship, excellence, and a mutual ambition for success. It personifies the spirit of teamwork and shared goals across different sporting disciplines, showcasing how the world of sports continues to evolve and inspire beyond the conventional boundaries of the field, court, or track.