Toto Wolff Negotiates to Divest Mercedes F1 Stake to CrowdStrike's Kurtz

Toto Wolff, the team principal and co-owner of Mercedes Formula One, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to divest a portion of his stake to George Kurtz, CEO of cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. According to a Financial Times report, if successful, this deal could place a record value of $6 billion on the Mercedes Formula One team, marking one of the highest evaluations for a team in the sport's history.

Transaction Insights

Currently, the ownership structure of the Mercedes Formula One team consists of Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder of Ineos, each holding an equal share of 33%. The proposed deal would see Wolff sell about 5% of his stake to Kurtz while retaining his position as team principal and head of Mercedes motorsport operations. Sources cited by the Financial Times indicate that the structure aims to admit an external investor while maintaining stability in team management.

While Mercedes has refrained from directly commenting on the discussions, they did release a statement affirming that governance will remain unchanged amidst any stake transaction. “The governance of the team will stay the same, with all partners dedicated to the continued success of Mercedes-Benz in Formula One,” said the team. Neither Kurtz nor CrowdStrike had immediate remarks regarding the news.

CrowdStrike and Mercedes: A Strong Partnership

George Kurtz's CrowdStrike is already a significant partner of the Mercedes team, with their branding visible on cars, driver suits, and team apparel. The collaboration emphasizes cybersecurity functions for protecting race data and digital systems. Kurtz, who is also a motorsport enthusiast, regularly competes in top racing events, including the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

A successful transaction could elevate Mercedes Formula One's valuation to approximately $6 billion, exceeding McLaren Racing's previous record of $5 billion following its acquisition by Mumtalakat of Bahrain and CYVN Holdings of Abu Dhabi in 2024. This upward trend in valuations reflects the sport's flourishing commercial landscape as global viewership expands, alongside increasing sponsorship deals and lucrative media rights.

Mercedes is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished teams in recent Formula One history, clinching eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021, with drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg leading the charge. As of the 2025 season, they are currently in second place in the Constructors standings, trailing McLaren, who sealed their second title in a row. Despite this, Mercedes remains a highly profitable team, enhancing the value of its shares.

Valuation Trends in Formula One

The rapid rise of Formula One's global renown has greatly boosted team valuations. The success of the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, combined with upcoming films focused on Formula One by Apple, has introduced the sport to fresh audiences. In previous years, F1 teams often faced financial hurdles, exemplified by Honda's infamous sale of its team to Ross Brawn for a mere pound in 2009. The Brawn team subsequently won both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships that year.

Modern teams have drawn in influential celebrity and institutional backers. For example, Renault's Alpine team sold 24% of its stake in 2023 to an investment group that included actor Ryan Reynolds and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, valuing Alpine at around $900 million. Such noteworthy investments signal Formula One's status as a leading force in global entertainment and technology.

George Kurtz's personal passion for motorsport aligns well with this potential partnership, making him a fitting candidate for investment in the Mercedes team. With his experience in racing, competing in forms like the GT World Challenge and endurance challenges, Kurtz’s involvement would bridge technology and racing innovation in the Mercedes sphere.

As Formula One gears up for an evolving era with sustainable fuels and fresh engine regulations set for 2026, Mercedes looks to enhance its leadership both on and off the track. A new investor such as Kurtz could inject additional financial and strategic strength into the team's long-term vision. Although the sale is still under deliberation, it mirrors the evolution of Formula One from a niche motorsport into a global business entity attracting powerful investors.