There is no doubt in anyone’s mind, in recent years, the popularity of Formula 1 has absolutely skyrocketed. The premier class is attracting investors, sponsors, new venues, and even offers for a complete buyout. Ryan Reynolds & Co. proved this scenario as they bought into Alpine. The massive $220 million investment is just the top layer of what is happening within F1. Meanwhile, Alpine’s arch-rival, who is aware of the full picture and was recently part of massive funding as well, hailed the one factor that is responsible for this massive surge in F1’s popularity.
Recently, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund bought McLaren‘s shares worth $510 million. Speaking on a panel during the Tribeca Festival in New York, as quoted by Front Office Sports, Zak Brown gave Netflix the credit for the rise in popularity for the pinnacle of motorsport. The $185 billion worth streaming giant’s Drive To Survive and its massive viewership is a crucial contributor to F1’s popularity and there’s no denying that.
“Formula 1’s a huge business and what happens off the track can be pretty exciting. It’s a pretty cutthroat business. It’s big money and it’s global, lots of politics, and I think Netflix brought that forward,” Brown said. “You saw the different personalities in the sport and how the sport operates. And then of course Miami [Grand Prix] came and now we’ve got Las Vegas coming. So I think in many ways Formula 1 is just getting started in North America.”
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There are signs everywhere and all investment is welcome, even if there is some backlash. Although the F1 investment from Reynolds could upset some fans back in Wrexham.
After Ryan Reynolds’ investment in Alpine, where does this leave Wrexham?
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Every new investment needs proper care and attention. Keeping in mind the massive amount, Alpine will undoubtedly require the attention of Ryan Reynolds and Co. However, where does that leave his fairytale with his football club Wrexham? Hopefully not in the dirt as revealed by the man himself.
On the Fearless in Devotion podcast, Reynolds said, “Everything we’ve done since we’ve come in is to ensure no matter who comes in – and hopefully it’s us for the rest of our lives – we are building a sustainable business. Whatever that might mean in the future, who’s to say?”
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No one forgets their first love and we’re sure Wrexham will always carry a special place in Reynolds’ heart, especially with the fairytale ending to their season. Although we do expect him to make a few appearances on the track in the coming race weeks to see his team in action.
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