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Can Patrick Mahomes' involvement in F1 bring more American fans to the sport?

This year’s British Grand Prix might need a red carpet for all its celebrity guests! On July 7, the F1 circuit is going to see the 75th anniversary of the Silverstone race. To witness this event, numerous stars from the sports and entertainment worlds will visit the historic race track. In fact, Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes has already confirmed his appearance at the British GP in his latest interview. Additionally, the world-class quarterback who is one of the stakeholders of the French squad Alpine, has said his family will be there with him in Silverstone.

The British Grand Prix is one of the oldest races that debuted on the Formula 1 calendar in 1950. This year, three drivers from the current grid, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris will vie for victory at their home race in Silverstone. Patrick Mahomes will get to see it all as the British GP will be his second stop on his 3-week-long trip to Europe. The 28-year-old might even visit the Alpine motorhome to meet with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.

The 2024 NFL season will begin in September with a match between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. Before that, Mahomes still has some time to spend with his family, which consists of his wife Brittany Matthews, and their two kids. Speaking of his plans for this period, Mahomes said on the Riggle’s Picks podcast, “I’m kind of getting a free three weeks to go over to Europe. We’re going to bounce around…I’m gonna go to Wimbledon, and I’m gonna go to the British Grand Prix.

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USA Today via Reuters

Before the British GP, Mahomes will make a cameo at the Wimbledon too. Speaking of exploring the different kinds of sports during his Europe trip, the QB said, “It’s going to be really cool to experience some of those things and get to see a whole another side of the world.” Only last year, Patrick Mahomes joined Travis Kelce’s team to invest $220M for a 24% stake in Alpine. Once in Silverstone, the American footballer might want to see how his investment has been shaping up, especially with Flavio Briatore’s return to the team.

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Flavio Briatore reveals high ambitions for Alpine in 2026

In the wake of the 2008 Singapore GP race-fixing incident, Flavio Briatore got banned from F1 as the FIA held him responsible. However, the Tribunal de Grande Instance later overturned this decision. Still, the Italian remained away from the sport until May 2024 when Alpine appointed him as the team’s special advisor. Ever since this announcement, Briatore has gotten vocal about his plan to improve Alpine’s performance in the upcoming seasons.

via Reuters

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Can Patrick Mahomes' involvement in F1 bring more American fans to the sport?

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Speaking of the expectations Briatore has set for Alpine once the new rules are introduced in F1, he said, “In 2026, I will win races, Alpine will be on the podium then, how many we will be able to do I don’t know.” Thus, if Briatore’s plans become a success, Patrick Mahomes might get a massive return on his investment in Alpine. This might have prompted the Kansas City player to join the British GP to get more involved with the French outfit.

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With Briatore’s return and the huge investment that Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the others have put in Alpine, the future looks bright for the French squad. However, the team must get a second driver for its 2025 campaign soon as Esteban Ocon has already declared his exit. Do you think the new racer can steer Alpine towards the top of the Championship in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comments below.