Should Sir Ben Ainslie's crew defy the odds and secure the America's Cup, it would mark Ineos's most significant sporting victory to date. Ineos's influence now spans six elite sports, yet their journey has been a mixed one. Despite substantial investments and the guidance of Sir Dave Brailsford, their impact in Formula One and cycling has been limited. Their efforts to revive Manchester United have also faced challenges, with accusations of using sport to mitigate environmental concerns.
Ineos partnered with Ben Ainslie's America's Cup team in 2018, acquiring a squad established six years prior with the goal of securing Britain's first win. Their strategy has involved close collaboration with Mercedes in Formula One, leveraging expertise from both fields. The investment in Ainslie's 2021 bid reached £110m, with a similar amount likely dedicated to this year's attempt. While the 2021 campaign ended in defeat, this year's team has shown remarkable form, setting the stage for a potential historic win.
In football, Ineos's ventures have included acquiring Swiss club Lausanne in 2017 and French side OGC Nice in 2019. This year, they secured a 27.7% stake in Manchester United. Their approach has involved significant investment in infrastructure and player acquisitions, though success has been varied. Lausanne remains mid-table, Nice has yet to challenge for Ligue 1 dominance, and United's revival remains a work in progress.
In Formula One, Ineos became a one-third shareholder in Mercedes in 2020, during the team's peak performance. While their financial returns have been substantial, on-track success has waned since Lewis Hamilton's 2021 loss. The team's performance has been overshadowed by rivals, though there are hopes for a resurgence with future rule changes.
Ineos's cycling team, the Grenadiers, inherited a dominant force in Team Sky. They aimed to soften the team's image and foster young talent, though success has been elusive. The team's annual budget is around €50m, but they now face stiff competition from rivals like UAE Team Emirates and Jumbo-Visma.
In rugby, Ineos's six-year partnership with New Zealand's national teams has been met with mixed reactions. The deal provides crucial financial support but has faced criticism from environmental groups. Success will be measured by the All Blacks' performance in future World Cups.
Ineos's partnership with the NN Running Team, featuring marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, aimed to support his quest for a third Olympic gold. While Kipchoge's recent setbacks are a blow, the team has seen success with other athletes, including Joshua Cheptegei and Wilson Kiplangat.
