Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff has sold a portion of his ownership stake in the championship-winning team to George Kurtz, the CEO and co-founder of cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike. The move marks a high-profile shift in the team’s ownership structure and deepens an already strong commercial partnership between Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 and CrowdStrike.
A Strategic Deal Between Two Power Players
Wolff, who has served as Mercedes F1 team principal since 2013 and owns a significant minority stake, finalized the sale as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team’s financial and competitive foundation. George Kurtz — already known in motorsport circles and a longtime Mercedes partner through CrowdStrike’s sponsorship — expands his footprint in the racing world through this acquisition.
Both sides described the deal as mutually beneficial, with Kurtz bringing technological expertise and fresh capital as F1 continues to grow globally.
Why Toto Wolff Made the Move
Although Wolff remains firmly committed to Mercedes and continues in his leading roles, the partial sale aligns with several strategic goals:
✔ Portfolio Diversification
Wolff has long been an active investor across industries. Selling a minority piece allows him to rebalance his holdings without reducing influence.
✔ Strengthening Team Partnerships
CrowdStrike is already one of Mercedes’ key cybersecurity partners, and Kurtz’s ownership adds another layer of strategic alignment.
✔ Long-Term Financial Strategy
Wolff maintains a major stake with strong voting power while unlocking additional liquidity for future ventures.
Who Is George Kurtz?
George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike, is not only a cybersecurity pioneer but also a passionate motorsport competitor:
- Regular participant in endurance racing
- Co-founder of the racing team CrowdStrike Racing
- Advocate for cutting-edge technology integration in motorsport
His entry as a shareholder strengthens the interplay between Formula 1 and digital security — an increasingly important area in the data-driven sport.
What the Deal Means for Mercedes F1
The investment is expected to support Mercedes in several key ways:
1. Enhanced Cybersecurity Integration
CrowdStrike’s technology already protects the team’s data operations. Ownership strengthens long-term collaboration.
2. Fresh Capital for Team Development
Despite the budget cap, teams still invest heavily in infrastructure, simulators, and R&D — areas where additional investment helps.
3. Greater Commercial Stability
Mercedes continues to attract top-tier partners, and bringing a tech leader into ownership reinforces commercial credibility.
4. Long-Term Leadership Continuity
Wolff remains team principal, CEO, and a major shareholder, ensuring stable leadership while adding strategic partners.
Impact on Formula 1’s Growing Business Landscape
The deal highlights a broader trend in F1:
Tech executives and billionaires are increasingly investing in teams as the sport’s global popularity booms.
Recent developments — U.S. races, Netflix’s Drive to Survive, and major sponsorship surges — have transformed F1 into a category attracting Silicon Valley and Wall Street alike.
Kurtz’s investment reflects:
- Rising valuations for F1 teams
- Strong commercial upside for tech companies
- Growing demand for advanced cybersecurity in motorsport
How This Affects the Team’s On-Track Future
While ownership changes typically happen behind the scenes, the strategic depth added by Kurtz’s involvement could indirectly support on-track performance through:
- Better data protection
- Enhanced analytics capabilities
- Leaner operational efficiency
- Stronger commercial stability
Mercedes is actively working to reclaim championship form after a challenging period, and the reinforced ownership structure helps support long-term competitiveness.
Toto Wolff’s Commitment Remains Strong
Despite selling a partial stake, Wolff emphasized:
- He is not stepping away from Mercedes
- His leadership role remains unchanged
- His influence over team direction continues
The move is widely viewed as a financial and strategic repositioning, not a step toward exiting the sport.
Conclusion
Toto Wolff’s decision to sell a portion of his Mercedes F1 ownership to CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz marks a significant development in Formula 1’s evolving business landscape. The deal strengthens the relationship between Mercedes and CrowdStrike while preserving Wolff’s leadership and long-term vision. As F1 continues attracting global tech executives and investors, this strategic transaction positions Mercedes for greater stability, innovation, and competitive growth in the years ahead.
