Hamilton’s surprise role in £3.8bn Broncos bid

LEWIS HAMILTON is set to become a co-owner of three-time Super Bowl winners the Denver Broncos as part of the most expensive ever takeover of an American sports franchise. The Formula One great is teaming up with Rob Walton, billionaire heir to the Walmart retail fortune, who is leading his family’s £3.8billion bid, which is subject to NFL approval next week.

The Waltons are America’s richest family, with Rob Walton alone worth £50bn, which puts him 19th on Forbes’ list of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Walton said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome seven-time Formula One world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton to our ownership group. He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team.’ Hamilton expressed his excitement by posting a picture of his dog Roscoe dressed up in Broncos merchandise. The 37-year-old Mercedes driver said: ‘Honoured to work with a world-class team and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports.’ He follows former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, who bought a stake in the Broncos last month. Hamilton knows Colorado well, having spent several winters training there. He once described his house in the mountains as his ‘main home’. His involvement with the Broncos follows his £10million backing for former British Airways boss Sir Martin Broughton’s failed attempt to buy Chelsea.

Hamilton is Formula One’s highest-ever earner, having eclipsed Michael Schumacher this season, according to BusinessF1 magazine, which puts his fortune at £360m. A spokeswoman for Hamilton last night declined to disclose how much money he is investing in the Broncos or how active a role he will play in managing the franchise.