CrowdStrike founder Kurtz buys into Mercedes F1 Team

Kurtz, CEO and Founder of CrowdStrike and a 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner, now joins Mercedes-Benz, INEOS and Wolff in the team’s ownership structure. He also joins the strategic steering committee alongside Ola Källenius, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Wolff.

The governance of the team remains unchanged and Wolff continues in all existing executive roles. Kurtz also becomes Technology Advisor as Mercedes strengthens its push into advanced tech and the U.S. market.

On Thursday, Kurtz said: “Winning in racing and cybersecurity requires speed, precision, and innovation. Milliseconds matter. Execution counts. Data wins. Technology is reshaping competitive advantage and human capability everywhere, including motorsport. I’m excited to help the team securely accelerate forward.”

In his advisory capacity, Kurtz will support the team’s innovation and technology strategy with a focus on competitive motorsport, data analytics and performance. He will also help grow the team’s ecosystem across the U.S. and global technology sectors, attracting competitive advantage and investment from new tech partners.

His investment extends a partnership that began in 2019 when CrowdStrike became a Global Partner of the team. CrowdStrike continues to provide AI powered cybersecurity solutions that protect Mercedes’ technology infrastructure.

Welcoming him, Wolff explained: “George’s background is unusual in its breadth: he’s a racer, a loyal sporting ambassador for Mercedes-AMG, and an exceptional entrepreneur. He understands both the demands of racing and the realities of building and scaling technology businesses. That combination brings specific insight that is increasingly relevant to the future of Formula One.”

Kurtz brings an extensive racing record that includes class wins at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 Pro-Am, the 2021 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the 2023 Petit Le Mans, the 2023 Six Hours of the Glen, and repeat victories at both the Indianapolis 8 Hour and 24 Hours of Spa in a Mercedes-AMG GT3. He also holds titles in the SRO GT World Challenge America, the Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing Championship and the Asia Le Mans LMP2 Championship.

Mercedes sees the appointment as a move to reinforce its technological edge as the sport prepares for the next phase of competitive development heading into 2026.

George Kurtz is the CEO and Founder of CrowdStrike, the AI-native cybersecurity leader that protects customers worldwide with the Falcon platform. Kurtz is an internationally recognized entrepreneur, executive, security expert, and author. He is also a prolific real estate developer with projects across the Southwestern United States. Outside of his professional endeavors, George and his wife Anna support charities focused on adolescent mental health.

Kurtz's passion is the fusion of business and racing. He began his professional racing career in 2016, and since then, has secured class wins in the following endurance races: 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 Pro-Am, 2021 Twelve Hours of Sebring, 2023 Petit Le Mans, 2023 Six Hours of the Glen, and he is the two-time winner of both the Indianapolis 8 Hour and 24 Hours of Spa in a Mercedes-AMG GT3.

In addition, Kurtz has won many championships, including the 2023 SRO GT World Challenge America Team & Drivers' Championship, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing Championship Driver Category, and the 2023-24 Asia Le Mans LMP2 Championship. For more information on George Kurtz, visit https://georgekurtz.com/.