MAGICAL HOBBY: Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds Rob McElhenney as investor in Alpine F1 team alongside sporting superstars Rory McIlroy, Anthony Joshua and Alexander Zverev

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, co-owners of the Wrexham F.C., and Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold have joined the Alpine F.1 team as investors.

OK, SO WHAT HAPPENED?

Investment Manager APEX, which specializes in sports, media, and entertainment, has made a strategic investment in motor racing, and the England international defender is one of numerous sportsmen involved. Others who are keen on getting in on the action include tennis prodigy Alexander Zverev, golfing great Rory McIlroy, and ex-heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.

Mahomes, Patrick, NFL

THE OVERALL IMAGE

They join the Otro Capital consortium that paid $200 million (£165 million) in June to acquire a 24% stake in Alpine. Actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Michael B. Jordan were all a part of the original plan, and they all have ties to British football teams Wrexham and Bournemouth. Both Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, two of the Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest stars, are investors.

THEIR COMMENTS

Alexander-Arnold expressed his enthusiasm for the plan, saying, “I am thrilled to lead an investor group investing in Alpine F1.” This is a fantastic opportunity, as Formula One is rapidly growing around the world, and I can’t wait to contribute to its success. The sport is similar to mine in that it calls for quick thinking, pinpoint accuracy, and teamwork under pressure.

F1 Alpine

THEN WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

Alpine, which placed fourth in the F1 constructors’ title in 2022, has fallen behind McLaren and Aston Martin this season. They remain very aspirational, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly locked in as drivers through 2024, and the team is valued at around $900 million (£741 million).