As Formula One heads to Texas this weekend for the U.S. Grand Prix, a French team gained some key American investors — Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
The two stars of the Kansas City Chiefs are now investors in the Alpine F1 team. Alpine used to be known as Team Renault. But the squad rebranded to Alpine last year, five years after Renault returned to compete in F1. It’s not only the two NFL stars. PGA standout Rory McIlroy also is among the investor group.
It should give Alpine a bump of popularity in the United States. The team currently ranks sixth amongst the 10 main F1 teams. They’re all gathering in Austin this week at the Circuit of the Americas for the U.S. Grand Prix, one of three F1 races in the United States.
“I’ve always had a passion for all sports,” Mahomes said in a statement to the media. “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.”
Mahomes is expanding his sports ownership holdings. He’s also part of the owmnership groups for the Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting Kansas City (MLS) and the Current (NWSL). And, he already is a fan of F1. He doesn’t make it to Austin in October. But he does attend the F1 race in Miami. Since the race is usually in May, his schedule is clear to jet down to south Florida and hang out with the drivers.
Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes are two popular American athletes
Kelce might be the most popular non-quarterback in the NFL. He’s certainly the most noticeable of any player this side of Mahomes. After all, he’s doing a bevy of national commercials. And, he’s dating pop superstar Taylor Swift. The two were together in New York this weekend, with both making cameos on Saturday Night Live. Photographers also snapped photos of the couple holding hands. She’s attended three of his games this season. TV viewership spiked in the first two.
In a statement, Kelce said he likes the idea of F1.
“It’s about being able to contribute to a sport that demands precision, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of success,” he said in a statement. “I am looking forward to this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”
The new ownership group definitely has an international flavor to it. You can’t get more American than Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. But the ownership group also includes Anthony Joshua, who is a boxing heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medalist boxer. Plus, there are soccer stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata.
Technically, the athletes are part of the investment group with Otro Capital. It’s taken out a $211 million investment in Alpine.
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