Lewis Hamilton is not currently a part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid to buy Manchester United, according to the PA News Agency.
Ratcliffe this week became the first interested party to make a public declaration about his plans to submit a bid for the club. United were put up for sale in November by the Glazer Family after a long period in which a large section of the club's fanbase have demanded change.
Formula 1 star Hamilton knows the British billionaire well – Ratcliffe is a part owner of the Mercedes F1 team. He has also shown plenty of interest in sports team ownership, having already purchased a stake in the NFL franchise the Denver Broncos, while he also joined Sir Martin Broughton's bid to buy Chelsea last year.
Of the prospect of joining a Ratcliffe bid to buy Man United, Hamilton previously said: "Jim's part boss but partner – I'd say we're more partners because we're in this together and I hope in future to do something with Jim and build with him. I don't know where that will be or what that will be, so I can't really say.
"I haven't had a call from him asking if I want to be involved in [a United takeover bid] just yet, but I do want to get more and more involved in teams because I really do believe in black ownership – there is a lack of it in sports – and black equity. Again, there is a real lack of that."
The Press Association reports that he is still yet to discuss the prospect with Ratcliffe and, as such, is not currently a part of the INEOS chairman's bid to buy the club. Given their relationship and Hamilton's interest in expanding his business empire, though, it is possible that could change.
Closing in on the end of his F1 career, the 38-year-old's business interests will sustain him once his racing days are over. On top of his stake in the Broncos, the Brit has his own film production company, his +44 clothing brand and several investments including in vegan firms and online grocery app Zapp.
Ratcliffe has made a fortune from his own business and is also heavily involved in sports. He is already involved in European football as owner Ligue 1 outfit Nice and Swiss side Lausanne Sport, while he also runs the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team – formerly known as Team Sky.
The billionaire's interest has been welcomed by the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST), who also have a warning for any new owner. "For any bidder, we want to be sure that there won't be any more debt laid on the club," a member said on Wednesday.
