Lewis Hamilton is among the investors in a consortium bidding to buy Chelsea Football Club, it has been revealed.
The Premier League side is up for sale after current owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
One interested party is a consortium led by Sir Martin Broughton, former chairman at Liverpool FC and British Airways, with Sky News reporting Hamilton and tennis legend Serena Williams have joined each pledging £10m.
It would be an interesting move for the seven-time world champion, who is well known for supporting Chelsea’s cross-London rivals Arsenal, who beat the Blues 4-2 on Wednesday night.
However, Hamilton and Williams’ inclusion into the consortium adds two high-profile sports names, both of whom have invested in business ventures in recent years and have also built their own brands during their illustrious careers.
It is that star power and experience that Sir Martin hopes to draw on with a source close to his consortium saying their addition to the bid was a “serious investment decision” and talks have been held for several weeks.
Additionally, it is claimed Hamilton would play a “formal role” in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion at Chelsea should the bid, which is believed to be the best placed to succeed, be successful.
Ironically, Chelsea is no stranger to F1 either, sponsoring the Sauber team in 2012.