Formula One driver Sir Lewis Hamilton has bought a stake in an NFL franchise after joining its new ownership group.

The seven-time world champion has teamed up with the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which took over the Denver Broncos for a reported $4.65bn (£3.81bn) in June – a record for a US sports franchise.

Sir Lewis announced the move on social media, accompanied by a picture of his dog, Roscoe, in Broncos gear.

He said: “Excited to join an incredible group of owners and become part of the @Broncos story!!

“Honoured to work with a world-class team and serve as an example of the value of more diverse leadership across all sports.

“Roscoe already thinks he made the team.”

Rob Walton, who is the heir to the Walmart fortune, is “delighted” to welcome the British racer to the group.

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“He is a champion competitor who knows what it takes to lead a winning team and a fierce advocate for global equality, including in his own sport,” he said.

“With over 100 race wins, Lewis is considered the most successful F1 driver of all time.

“His resilient spirit and standard of excellence will be an asset to the ownership group and the Broncos organization.”

Hamilton was also welcomed by Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson, who moved from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year, saying: “Winning is a habit!”

Stevenage-born Hamilton is regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers ever, and narrowly missed out on an eighth championship crown to Max Verstappen last year.

But he has had a disappointing 2022 season so far, currently sitting in sixth place with nine races left.

The ownership group is spearheaded by Mr Walton and includes his daughter, Carrie Walton Penner, and her husband Greg Penner. Former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice joined the group last month.

The Broncos are three-time Super Bowl winners, last claiming the title in 2016.

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