Articles
Buy an F1 Driver
Author: Mac McColgan
Source: Autoindustry
Publication Date: 16th February 201
Sadly, talent is no longer enough to secure a drive in today’s Formula 1. Commercial interests play a huge part in gaining a seat in the most exclusive club in motor racing.
To that end Justin Wilson has come up with a unique idea. He’s going public. For the first time ever it will be possible for the public to invest in a Formula 1 racing driver.
While we hear of successful drivers earning millions of dollars, most drivers who move into F1 bring some sponsorship with them in the early days, and this was no exception with Minardi.
Team boss, Paul Stoddard recognised Wilson’s talent and wanted him as a driver for the 2003 season, but economic reality meant that Wilson would be need to bring sponsorship to finance a small proportion of Minardi’s required budget.
The result is Justin Wilson plc. Wilson is selling shares in himself, and his future success and profitability, in order to finance this years drive.
Put simply, fans and corporate investors alike can buy any number of shares from as little as £500. Then, depending on Wilson’s success the return could double their investment. If that initial goal is achieved, investors will be entitled to 10% of Justin Wilson’s income until 2012. Meanwhile Wilson himself will only draw a modest income in comparison to other F1 drivers.
Managing director of Justin Wilson plc is ex-F1 driver Jonathan Palmer, who is enthusiastic about Wilson’ chances, "I have great and well-founded confidence in Justin’s abilities as a racing driver. He won my inaugural Formula Palmer Audi championship in1998, beating stiff opposition with identical equipment. He then went on to win the FIA International Formula 3000 Championship in 2001, being the first British driver to do so, with the most dominant performance in the championship’s history.
"The founder investors in Justin Wilson plc have enabled this share issue to get a good head start, and we are particularly appreciative of the involvement of the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club. We are delighted too at the tremendous support Justin has enjoyed not only from the motor racing media, but also the British national press."
For further details, including how to obtain a prospectus, please see the Invest in Wilson website,
Added to the database on 12th March 2003
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Keywords: Wilson, Minardi, F1, Formula 1