Among focuses of Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur's new strategic partnership is to create apprenticeship and career opportunities for local youth while addressing diversity in the motorsport industry
Wednesday 1 March 2023 11:50, UK
Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a 15-year strategic partnership that will include the production of the world's first in-stadium electric karting track below the Premier League club's stadium.
The facility is due to open later this year with Formula 1 and Tottenham set to launch a new driver academy programme in view of identifying the next wave of F1 drivers.
Educational activities will be staged for schools to engage local youth in motorsport while introducing young people to potential careers in engineering and software development.
The partnership will also focus on providing apprenticeship and career opportunities for local youth and to enhance diversity in the motorsport industry.
Moreover, F1 and Tottenham will work together on sustainability initiatives as the former looks to fulfil its commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030 while Spurs seek to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and become net zero by 2040.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: "As we continue to grow our sport, partnering with world-renowned brands like Tottenham Hotspur allows us to take Formula 1 and motorsport to new and more diverse audiences.
"The karting experience will be a destination and place that families, friends, and aspiring drivers from all over the world will want to visit and enjoy, engaging new audiences and offering an accessible entry point to the world of motorsport.
"Our two brands have a shared vision to create life-changing career opportunities, promote diversity and inclusion, such as through the recently announced F1 Academy, and driving environmental sustainability - our innovative partnership will bring all of this to life."
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy added: "Since building this stadium our ambition has always been to see how far we can push the boundaries in delivering world-class experiences that will attract people from around the world all year round.
"We have been able to bring the biggest names in sport and entertainment to London N17. We are extremely excited about what this long-term partnership with F1 will bring for our global, national, and local communities."
A report on Tuesday in The Times said that sources have suggested the deal could be the first step in F1 owners Liberty Media exploring a takeover of Spurs.
While Tottenham have declined to comment on those reports, Sky Sports News reporter Craig Slater, who is in Bahrain ahead of this weekend's season-opening Grand Prix, says F1 sources have told him there are "no plans" for a takeover.
"My understanding, talking to an individual with a clear viewpoint into that situation, is that that is absolutely not the case," Slater said on Wednesday.
"Formula 1, Liberty Media have no plans to buy Tottenham Hotspur football club.
"They do own the Atlanta Braves baseball team, so they have a mixed sporting portfolio, but this 15-year partnership is a partnership and nothing more as I understand it."
