Ryan Reynolds tipped to show up at British GP as F1 chief opens up on investment

05 July 2023 , 08:31

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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have invested in a Formula One team (Image: PA)

Alpine's team principal has backed Ryan Reynolds to make an appearance at this Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Reynolds and fellow Hollywood actor Rob McElhenney have partnered with Red Bird Capital and Otro Capital to buy a 24 per cent stake in Alpine, thought to have cost $200million (£157.3m). Reynolds and McElhenney also own EFL side Wrexham.

Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has labelled the investment "ridiculous" and "preposterous" - but Alpine's team principal Otmar Szafnauer has welcomed the cash. He believes it will push his mid-level Formula One team into contention.

Alpine are currently fifth in this year's Constructors' Championship but a long way behind Ferrari in fourth. Szafnauer's team have achieved just one podium in 2023, with Esteban Ocan finishing third at the Monaco Grand Prix. Their other driver is Pierre Gasly.

Sky Sports asked Szafnauer when Reynolds might make an appearance in Alpine's paddock ahead of last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. As quoted by GP Fans, he replied: "That’s a good question. Let’s guess Silverstone. If I'm wrong, I'll guess another race!"

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The Austrian GP didn't go too well for Alpine. Gasly finished 10th at the Red Bull Ring, while Ocon was four spots further back. Szafnauer hopes the investment from Reynolds and his business partners will push Alpine to the next level.

Reynolds could make an appearance at the British Grand Prix (Getty Images)

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He said: "The reason for the investment is that we do need some infrastructure and hopefully the infrastructure equalisation will happen soon with the FIA. This will just give us funding to give us the tools that we need to fight with the bigger teams."

Szafnauer also confirmed the new investors will not get too involved in the team's technical matters. "What they’re really really good at is the commercial side of the business," he explained. The technical side, it’d be great if they could input.

"But I think their expertise lie elsewhere. The technical side, we will continue to do what we’re doing. But, like I said, with better tools."

Alpine are owned by Alpine, one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world. When asked why the team even need investment from Reynolds and his colleagues, Szafnauer replied: "They will bring future income as well.

"The fellows that we’re working with have invested in sports properties forever, that’s what they do. Because of it, they know how to generate further revenue. Renault definitely can afford going F1 racing, but it’s always nice just to stand on your own two feet and have that shareholding generate enough revenue where we’re profitable at the end of the day."

Szafnauer added: "We are a little bit behind on some required sets of tools. Like I say, the infrastructure that we need - driver in loop simulator for example, ours is 15 years old. There’s a new one coming. Brake dynos we don’t have, others do. Suspension rigs that others do. Unfortunately, all that’s not cheap."

Tom Blow