Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has joined Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as an investor in the Alpine Formula 1 team.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Famous faces from the world of sport on boardAs are Hollywood actorsMotor racing remains big businessWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international defender is one of several sporting superstars to form part of the strategic investment being made in motor racing by sports, media and entertainment-focused Investment Manager, APEX. Golf icon Rory McIlroy, former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and tennis ace Alexander Zverev are also involved in the project.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

They join as part of the syndicate created by Otro Capital that acquired a 24 per cent stake in Alpine as part of a $200 million (£165m) deal back in June. Actors Reynolds, McElhenney and Michael B Jordan – who are all involved in some capacity within British football at Wrexham and Bournemouth – formed part of that initial agreement. Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are also now invested.

WHAT THEY SAID

Alexander-Arnold has said of the project: “I am delighted to lead an investor group investing in Alpine F1. The opportunity is very exciting, F1 is growing massively worldwide and I look forward to contributing to that growth. The sport brings together teamwork, pinpoint accuracy and innovation in a pressure-filled environment, these are aspects of my game we have in common.”

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Alpine finished fourth in the F1 constructors’ championship during the 2022 season but have slipped behind the likes of McLaren and Aston Martin this term. They remain fiercely ambitious – with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly locked in as drivers for 2024 – and the team has been valued at $900m (£741m).