F1 News: Pierre Gasly Buys Stake In Football Club Amid Alpine Team Struggles
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly has diversified his business portfolio by venturing into football club ownership. He has acquired a stake in FC Versailles, joining co-shareholders Fabien Lazare and current chairman Alexandre Mulliez. The club currently occupies the 10th position in the French third division.
Key Takeaways:
- Alpine driver Pierre Gasly joins FC Versailles as a co-shareholder alongside Alexandre Mulliez and Fabien Lazare, aiming to contribute positively to the French football club's evolution.
- Gasly's involvement comes amid struggles for the Alpine F1 team and follows his introduction to Mulliez through mutual contacts.
- The collaboration aligns with Gasly's passion for football and marks his venture into club ownership, reflecting a trend of diversification among athletes, including Alpine's recent investments from notable figures.
Alpine Press Image
The news arrives amid struggles for the Alpine F1 team as the outfit undergoes internal turmoil after the ousting of key personnel. Gasly reportedly connected with Mulliez through shared acquaintances. Although he has not disclosed the extent of his ownership, it is estimated to be substantial.
Gasly, who made his Formula 1 debut in 2017 with Red Bull junior team Scuderia Toro Rosso, known as VCARB today, is also known for his ardent passion for football and is often seen in the F1 paddock wearing the jerseys of French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
In an official statement by the club, Mulliez stated:
"We were looking for a top-level French athlete who shared our values, to raise our profile in France and internationally, and improve our performance and marginal gains.
“We had ticked off a list of around 10 names. But we didn’t need to go any further. Right from our first meeting, Pierre and I hit it off.
“He’s going to bring us his knowledge of the very highest level, and his humility.
“He fits in perfectly with our target group of 15-25 year-olds. He’s someone who speaks to them. I’m certain that our collaboration will be fruitful.
“As a long-time Formula 1 enthusiast, I know how lucky we are to have Pierre at our side to help us achieve all our goals.
“Our ambition is to become the first Parisian club to be entirely French, owned by French people.
“Our approach is both family-oriented and innovative, breaking with convention by leveraging technology to achieve clear competitive advantages. Our model is based on mutual cooperation, humility and seriousness.”
Alpine Press Image
Gasly's statement read:
“I’m delighted to be joining FC Versailles, as I’ve always wanted to get involved in professional soccer.
“Alexandre and Fabien and I share the same values, ambition and competitive spirit, which will enable us to help the club evolve positively.
“This is the start of a wonderful story. Allez Versailles!”
In terms of investments, it's been less than a year since Alpine garnered attention from notable figures like Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, boxer Anthony Joshua, golfer Rory McIlroy, and footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata.