Lewis Hamilton joined the American sports scene by taking a joint ownership position in NFL’s Denver Broncos.
National Football League’s Denver Broncos have announced today that seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has joined the ownership group.
The Brit who currently drives for the Mercedes F1 team is the most recent addition to the Broncos ownership group following former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
The Broncos and the Walton-Penner family, headed by Walmart heir Rob Walton, entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the ownership of the team in June. The reported value of the deal was US$4.65 billion (RM20.7 billion), a record for an American sports franchise.
Hamilton’s arrival was announced by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group in a brief statement published on Tuesday, while no financial information about the project was provided.
“We’re delighted to welcome Sir Lewis Hamilton to our ownership group,” said Rob Walton. “He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a fierce advocate for global equality, including in his own sport.”
“With over 100 race wins, Lewis is considered the most successful F1 driver of all time.”
“His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organisation.”
Hamilton himself said: “Excited to join an incredible group of owners and become a part of the @Broncos story! Honoured to work with a world class team and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports.”
Hamilton had previously been associated with Premier League Club Chelsea and was looking for an investment opportunity with a large sports franchise. He and tennis star Serena Williams were linked to Sir Martin Broughton’s attempt to acquire the Blues, it was disclosed in April.
Todd Boehly, however, was the one who ultimately assumed control of the London club. The revelation that the seven-time world champion had invested in the Broncos was confirmed on Tuesday, so it looks that he has since switched his attention to the United States.
Denver Bronco’s most recent victory came in the Super Bowl, which Hamilton attended in 2016.
Recently, Hamilton has added the restaurant brand Neat Burger, the Extreme E team X44, and the nonprofit organization Mission 44 to his corporate portfolio.
