Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly has left the circuit and turned to the world of soccer after investing in French third-division club FC Versailles.
Gasly, who drives for Alpine, said: “I've always wanted to be involved in professional football, so I'm happy to be joining FC Versailles.'' “This is the beginning of a wonderful story. Goversailles!”
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The French driver will join the club as a joint shareholder alongside Alexandre Maries, grandson of the founder of the Ocean multinational retail group, and his partner Fabien Lazare.
Gasly told French media outlet L'Equipe: “I was looking for time to take part in an ambitious project. I was looking into what was going on in the world and I came across the Maries family.”
“We sat around the table and watched him. [Alexandre] I wanted to develop the club. We have medium- to long-term goals for 5, 10, and 15 years. It's one of my favorite sports, second only to racing. ”
The club did not disclose Gasly's shareholding, but he told L'Equipe that it was “not the biggest financial commitment of my life as an entrepreneur.” “But that’s what appeals to me the most emotionally.
“Above all, this is a passion project for me and building something solid in terms of training and women's football.”
Maries took over last year at a club that was in financial trouble.
“I am confident that our cooperation will be fruitful,” said Maries. “As a long-time F1 fan, I know how lucky we are to have Pierre by our side to help us achieve all our goals.”
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
