Carlyle Joins Red Bull as Strategic Partner in Historic F1 Investment Venture

Red Bull Racing Accelerates with Landmark Carlyle Partnership

MONZA, ITALY – September 9, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move for Formula 1, Red Bull Racing has announced a multi-year partnership with carlyle, a global investment firm based in the US. This marks the first collaboration of its kind between an F1 team and a worldwide private investment group, signaling a new era of commercial engagement in the sport.

Carlyle branding will be prominently displayed on the Red Bull race car throughout the remainder of the 2025 season, extending to the chassis, driver team kit, pit wall, and garage habitat at races across the global F1 calendar.

The partnership aims to leverage carlyle’s extensive network and financial expertise to “open new avenues for engagement, deepen global connectivity, and pursue data and technology-enabled initiatives,” ultimately expanding access to both private markets and the world of Formula 1.”As an iconic firm in global finance, Carlyle brings a long-term outlook with an expansive network, and we look forward to building a powerful partnership on and off the track,” stated Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing’s chief executive and team principal.Mekies took the helm in July, succeeding Christian Horner after his 20-year tenure.

this new alliance adds to Red Bull Racing’s impressive roster of sponsors, which already includes title partner Oracle, alongside major brands like Tag Heuer, Rokt, Mobil, honda, and Castore.

Despite currently holding fourth position in the F1 constructors’ standings with eight races remaining, Red Bull Racing’s star driver, Max Verstappen, recently secured a victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on September 7, demonstrating the team

What factors contributed to Carlyle’s decision to invest in Red Bull Racing?

The Deal: A New Era for Red Bull Racing

On September 9th, 2025, a landmark deal reshaped the landscape of Formula 1. Global investment firm Carlyle has announced a strategic partnership with Red Bull Racing,acquiring a significant minority stake in the team. This isn’t just a financial injection; it’s a pivotal moment signaling increased institutional investment in F1 and validating the sport’s growing commercial appeal. The valuation of Red Bull Racing is estimated to be $7.3 billion, making it one of the most valuable teams in the sport. This investment will fuel Red Bull’s ambitions both on and off the track, impacting areas like team infrastructure, technology progress, and potential expansion.

Carlyle’s Investment Strategy & F1’s Appeal

Carlyle, known for its investments across diverse sectors, sees Formula 1 as a high-growth opportunity. Their interest stems from several key factors:

Global Reach: F1 boasts a massive and expanding global fanbase, especially in key markets like the US, Asia, and the Middle East.

Brand Prestige: The sport represents the pinnacle of motorsport engineering and innovation, attracting premium sponsors and partnerships.

Media Rights value: increasing demand for F1 content drives ample revenue from broadcasting rights and digital platforms.

Financial growth: The sport has experienced consistent revenue growth in recent years,fueled by new regulations and strategic marketing initiatives.

Sustainable Future: F1’s commitment to sustainable fuels and hybrid technology aligns with Carlyle’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment principles.

Carlyle’s investment isn’t solely about financial returns. They aim to leverage their expertise in areas like sports management, media rights, and brand building to help Red Bull Racing maximize its potential. This partnership is a testament to the increasing attractiveness of F1 as an investment asset.

Impact on Red Bull Racing: What to Expect

the infusion of capital from Carlyle will have a ripple effect across Red bull Racing. Here’s a breakdown of anticipated changes:

Enhanced R&D: Increased funding will accelerate the development of cutting-edge aerodynamic technologies, engine innovations (particularly relevant with the 2026 engine regulation changes), and advanced materials. Expect a continued focus on maximizing performance within the cost cap.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Investment in state-of-the-art facilities, including wind tunnels and simulation centers, will provide a competitive edge.

Talent Acquisition: Red bull Racing will be able to attract and retain top engineering and technical talent, strengthening its team.

Commercial Expansion: Carlyle’s network and expertise will help Red Bull Racing explore new sponsorship opportunities and expand its brand presence globally.

Potential for Expansion: While not immediately confirmed, the investment could pave the way for Red Bull to explore opportunities beyond F1, such as expanding its advanced technology division.

The Broader Implications for Formula 1

This deal signifies a broader trend of institutional investment entering Formula 1. Recent years have seen investments in teams like Aston Martin (by Lawrence Stroll) and the growing interest from private equity firms.

Increased Team Valuations: Carlyle’s valuation of Red Bull racing sets a new benchmark for team valuations, potentially influencing future transactions.

Financial Stability: Greater financial stability for teams allows for long-term planning and investment in sustainable growth.

Competitive Balance: While concerns about the gap between top teams and smaller teams remain, increased investment can help level the playing field.

Attracting New Investors: The success of this partnership could attract further investment from othre institutional investors, further solidifying F1’s financial position.

Growth in Key markets: The partnership will likely focus on expanding F1’s reach in the US market, capitalizing on the sport’s growing popularity there.

Carlyle’s Track Record in Sports Investments

Carlyle isn’t new to the world of sports investments. Their portfolio includes stakes in:

Washington Wizards & Capitals: Carlyle has a significant ownership stake in these professional sports teams.

Oak View group: A company focused on developing sports and entertainment venues.

Numerous Sports-Related Businesses: Carlyle has invested in various businesses related to sports marketing, media rights, and athlete portrayal.

This experience demonstrates Carlyle’s understanding of the sports industry and its ability to generate returns from strategic investments. Their involvement with Red Bull Racing is a natural extension of their existing portfolio.

Key Players Involved

Christian Horner (Red Bull Racing Team Principal): A key figure in negotiating the deal and ensuring a smooth transition.

Dietrich von Boetticher (Carlyle Global Head of Sports & Entertainment): Lead the Carlyle team responsible for the investment.

Oliver Mintzlaff (Red Bull GmbH CEO): Oversaw the deal from the Red Bull side.

Chalmers Brothers (Carlyle Managing Directors): Instrumental in structuring the investment.

Future Outlook: F1’s Continued Growth Trajectory

The Carlyle-Red Bull partnership is a strong indicator of Formula 1’s continued growth potential. With increasing investment, a growing fanbase, and a commitment to sustainable innovation, the sport is well-positioned for long-term success. The 2026 engine regulation changes and the ongoing efforts