Big names from the NFL, boxing, soccer, and tennis are among those buying into the Alpine F1 team as part of a major nine-figure investment round.
On Tuesday, Otro Capital led a successful €200 million ($211 million) round of strategic investment in the Alpine Formula 1 team. As part of the effort, several sporting stars from around the world are now formally staked in the French-British racing outfit:
- Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, two-time Super Bowl winners with the Kansas City Chiefs
- Anthony Joshua, boxing’s former unified heavyweight champion of the world
- Rory McIlroy, world No. 2-ranked golfer and four-time major champion
- Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool FC fullback and UEFA Champions League winner
- Alexander Zverev, world No. 10-ranked men’s tennis player
- Juan Mata, Vissel Kobe midfielder and winner of the FIFA World Cup (Spain) and UEFA Champions League (Chelsea)
The broader fundraising effort was joined by investment management firm APEX.
“When Otro asked us to partner with them to bring our European sports and media expertise, and insider F1 knowledge to the table, we had to say yes to this opportunity,” APEX Founder and CEO Antonio Cacorino said in an official news release. “Alpine is one of the most exciting F1 teams out there, and both Otro and our athletes share a common vision for the future of racing, which we can’t wait to test out together.”
The announcement follows news on June 26 of a previous €200 million investment round that included actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Michael B. Jordan, as well as private equity firm RedBird Capital partners.
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As of Oct. 17, the Alpine F1 team sits sixth in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship standings. Wheelmen Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon respectively stand 11th and 12th in the Drivers’ Championship.
“I’ve always had a passion for all sports,” Patrick Mahomes said on the occasion. “The opportunity to lead an investor group with Travis [Kelce] 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.”
As Anthony Joshua added:
“The chance to strategically invest in Alpine was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. 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 a great group of fellow investors and hope to help the team achieve its full potential,” he continued.
Alpine is still majority-owned by French automaker Groupe Renault, but has turned to PE investment in its efforts to grow its ability to compete and adapt to the demands of the modern sporting landscape.
Additional quotes from Alpine’s newest investors
“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 firsthand 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
“I’ve been a fan of F1 for a very long time. I am super excited to have become a shareholder of Alpine Formula 1 and I am thrilled for the future of this team.”
— Alexander Zverev
“Joining forces with Otro and APEX in this investment in Alpine F1 is a unique opportunity for me. I am a big believer in the growth of the sport and confident that Alpine is the right team to partner with. Their history as a team combined with the commercial and industry expertise of Otro Capital make the perfect combination for success.”
— Juan Mata
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