Famous actor joins Formula E team after major ownership expansion

Kiro Race Co., racing under the name Cupra Kiro in Formula E this season, has announced a major ownership expansion including Golden Globe-winning actor Idris Elba. 

Elba, best-known for playing DCI John Luther in hit series Luther and Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, joins several highly strategic investors in the ownership expansion of the American FE team. 

The outfit was initially acquired by The Forest Road Company, a Los Angeles-based investment firm, in October 2024.

Since then, it has partnered with German manufacturer Porsche, who are supplying the outfit with two-year-old modified power units. 

As well as Elba, the new investors group includes several American sports team owners, including Atlanta Hawks basketball team principal owner Tony Ressler, LAFC co-managing owner Larry Berg and co-owner Shaun Neff.

The ownership expansion group also includes media deal-makers Navid Mahmoodzagedan, Steve Bornstein and Rick Hess; and strategic advisors Jeffrey Assaf, Caleb Kramer and Michael Woronoff.

According to the team, the diverse ownership expansion has taken place to position the outfit for a strong long-term future to grow as a sports franchise. 

For Elba, getting involved as a co-owner of Kiro Race Co. was an easy decision based on its long-term plan aligning with his own future goals. 

"Formula E is at the perfect intersection by blending sport and global entertainment with sustainability," said Elba. 

"I’m proud to be joining the grid with CUPRA KIRO at this pivotal moment. The team’s vision for the future, desire to innovate, and commitment to excellence resonate with me on a deep, personal level, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in its journey to the front of the grid."

On the circuit, it has been a positive start to Season 11 for the team, with Dan Ticktum having scored four points in December's season-opening race in São Paulo.

The investor group highlights Kiro's commitment to the all-electric series, with FE CEO Jeff Dodds describing it as a "transformative moment".  

"The arrival of this new investor group marks a transformative moment for Kiro Race Co and serves as a resounding endorsement of its strategic growth plan," said Dodds. 

"This impressive group brings unparalleled expertise and a diverse, well-rounded perspective that will catalyse growth not just for the team, but for the entire championship."