
via Imago
Vanarama National League Wrexham v York City Ryan Reynolds co-owner of Wrexham arrives ahead of the Vanarama National League match Wrexham vs York City at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, United Kingdom, 25th March 2023 Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images Wrexham The Racecourse Ground Clwyd United Kingdom Copyright: xGarethxEvans/NewsxImagesx

via Imago
Vanarama National League Wrexham v York City Ryan Reynolds co-owner of Wrexham arrives ahead of the Vanarama National League match Wrexham vs York City at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, United Kingdom, 25th March 2023 Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images Wrexham The Racecourse Ground Clwyd United Kingdom Copyright: xGarethxEvans/NewsxImagesx
A change of ownership can turn an organization upside down. Look at Chelsea FC, who’ve been struggling in the bottom half of the table ever since Todd Boehly took over. Then there’s Aston Martin who are thriving under Lawrence Stroll. Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham FC is also thriving. However, the Hollywood Star is given a $135,000,000 warning which shatters the expectation of Alpine following a Wrexham-like success story. What is the warning?
Wrexham FC’s success story has been one of the greatest in the last couple of years. Ryan Reynold and Co. took over the club and invested around 2.5 million dollars in players and facilities upgrades. Reynolds’ stardom along with the Docuseries made the club an overnight sensation. The club recently got promoted back to the EFL after 15 years after winning the National League. Ryan Reynolds and Co. took over a 24% stake in Alpine recently for $218 million.

via Imago
Vanarama National League Wrexham v York City Ryan Reynolds co-owner of Wrexham arrives ahead of the Vanarama National League match Wrexham vs York City at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, United Kingdom, 25th March 2023 Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images Wrexham The Racecourse Ground Clwyd United Kingdom Copyright: xGarethxEvans/NewsxImagesx
While Ryan Reynolds might be expecting a Wrexham-like turnaround for Alpine, the same is difficult to carry out. F1 isn’t the same as the old days when one could spend as much as they could to guarantee success. The new cost cap rules advise that the teams have a ceiling of $135,000,000 to spend over a season. Anything over and a penalty like Red Bull’s would be attracted.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
According to the Fast and the Curious podcast, the host advised about the cost cap regulation and said “F1 is riding this wave of popularity. Because of the Drive to Survive. Because of the 2021 season. And Ryan Reynolds has a stake in an F1 team. I like that Hollywood’s taking over. Obviously, it’s the same guys who took over a part of Wrexham Football Club. I don’t think they’re going to be able to do what they did and pump money to get Wrexham promoted because obviously, the cost cap in F1 is way more difficult than that.”
Nonetheless, even if the cost cap wasn’t there, success cannot be guaranteed in F1. It’s not only about the money but also about having the right personnel. Take the example of Toyota from 2008 when they supposedly had a budget of $450 million, twice that of Ferrari. Yet only finished P5 in the standing. Nonetheless, the Alpine CEO talks about the expertise that the partnership will bring.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Laurent Rossi recognizes the expertise brought by Ryan Reynold and Co.
The firms investing in Alpine have a history of backing many sports clubs. Take RedBird for example who has invested in Red Socks and Liverpool. They also own the AC Milan football club. Laurent Rossi expressed how this expertise in the sports field will help Alpine move forward.

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – April 29, 2023 Alpine’s Esteban Ocon during the sprint shootout REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
According to Formula1.com, Laurent Rossi said “This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels. First, Otro Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, and Maximum Effort Investments, as international players with a strong track record in the sports industry, will bring their recognized expertise to boost our media and marketing strategy, essential to support our sporting performance over the long term.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think? Will the expertise help Alpine in any way shape or form?
WATCH THIS STORY | F1 drivers who’ve appeared in movies
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT