George Kurtz joins Mercedes F1 as co-owner and Technology Advisor: full details of the €260 million deal. George Kurtz becomes co-owner and Technology Advisor of Mercedes F1.

George Kurtz enters Mercedes ownership and becomes Technology Advisor

Mercedes has just announced that George Kurtz, CEO and founder of CrowdStrike, has become a co-owner of the team and will serve as Technology Advisor. The news comes after Kurtz personally acquired 15% of the stake previously held by Toto Wolff’s holding, which controls a third of the team alongside Mercedes-Benz and INEOS.

With this deal, Kurtz joins the group composed of Mercedes-Benz, INEOS, and Toto Wolff. He also becomes a member of the team’s strategic committee, alongside Ola Källenius, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Wolff himself. The governance structure of the team remains unchanged, with Wolff retaining all his executive roles.

Through this agreement, Toto Wolff sells 15% of his holding’s shares, securing approximately €260 million from the transaction.

A unique profile bridging technology and motorsport

George Kurtz is both an endurance racing driver and a globally recognized entrepreneur. He founded and led one of the most innovative cybersecurity companies in the world. His expertise combines advanced technology, complex operations, and professional sports experience.

In his new role as Technology Advisor, Kurtz will support the team’s technological strategy, focusing particularly on data, performance, and innovation. He will also help expand the team’s presence in the technology sector, both in the United States and internationally.

George Kurtz on his new role

“Winning in motorsport and in cybersecurity requires speed, precision, and innovation. Milliseconds matter. Execution matters. Data wins,” Kurtz said.

“Technology is redefining competitive advantage everywhere. I am excited to help the team accelerate safely.”

Kurtz and Mercedes: a partnership since 2019

His entry into team ownership builds on an already established collaboration. Since 2019, CrowdStrike has been a Global Partner of Mercedes, providing AI-driven cybersecurity solutions that protect the team’s technological infrastructure.

“George has a unique profile. He is a driver, a sports ambassador for Mercedes-AMG, and an exceptional entrepreneur,” commented Toto Wolff. “He understands the demands of racing and the reality of building technology companies. This combination brings increasingly relevant value to the future of Formula 1.”

Who is George Kurtz, the new Mercedes co-owner

George Kurtz is the CEO and founder of CrowdStrike and a global authority in cybersecurity. He is also a real estate developer and supports philanthropic initiatives focused on adolescent mental health.

Kurtz began his professional racing career in 2016 and has achieved victories in events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 Pro-Am 2023, the 12 Hours of Sebring 2021, Petit Le Mans 2023, and the Six Hours of the Glen 2023. He is a two-time winner of both the Indianapolis 8 Hour and the 24 Hours of Spa with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and has claimed championships in numerous endurance racing series.

In recent weeks, news emerged of a possible sale of part of Toto Wolff’s Mercedes shares. Read more here