Kevin Magnussen and Felipe Massa join Novak Djokovic in Le Mans FC investment

Former F1 drivers Kevin Magnussen and Felipe Massa have joined an investment group, including Novak Djokovic, to become financial backers of French football club Le Mans FC

Former Formula 1 drivers Kevin Magnussen and Felipe Massa have invested in French football team Le Mans FC.

Magnussen left F1 at the end of 2024 when his contract with Haas came to an end. After making his debut in the championship in 2014, he recorded one podium finish, one pole position and three fastest laps.

Massa previously raced for Sauber, Ferrari and Williams during his time in F1 between 2002 and 2017. He accumulated 11 grand prix wins, 16 pole positions, and 15 fastest laps.

The former drivers are part of an investment group, OutField, which also includes tennis star Novak Djokovic and founder of OakBerry, Georgios Frangulis.

"As you know, I am entering my tenth year as president of Le Mans FC," Thierry Gomez, president and owner of Le Mans, explained in a statement.

"When I first presented my project to you on July 7, 2016, while the club was playing in National 3 and playing its matches at La Pincenardière, I immediately made it clear that my primary objective would not be to aim for promotion to the higher division at all costs, but to implement a comprehensive project and a path that would allow the club to grow each year.

"I firmly believe that the result is simply the consequence of what we do on a daily basis.

Felipe Massa, Williams and Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1

Photo by: Sutton Images

"For nine years, we have worked to structure the club, develop the training of our young players, grow our women's section and bring together all the club's stakeholders, both internal and external (players, coaches, employees, managers, volunteers, partners, supporters).

"At the dawn of this new season, we are pleased to return to Ligue 2 BKT and celebrate our 40th anniversary. But we must be aware that the economic model of football has changed, with a tightening of the elite and the arrival of new investors.

"To exist in this new context and hope to continue to grow, we have no other choice but to adapt, because our ambition remains the same: to fill the stadium and share TOGETHER beautiful emotions, like during our last match against Versailles.

"This is why I am happy today to announce the arrival of our new financial partner: OutField, leader in sports investment in Latin America, and Georgios Frangulis, founder and CEO of OakBerry.

"They have the particularity of being a Brazilian investment fund. You know my love for the game… and who better than the Brazilian team symbolises, in the world of football, the beautiful game?

"The particularity of this fund also lies in its contribution of high-level athletes. Thus, Novak Djokovic, Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen will be part of the adventure."