Former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen has joined Paolo Maldini and Antoine Griezmann as an investor in fintech unicorn Flatpay.

The former McLaren, Renault and Haas motor racer is now a shareholder in the Danish firm, which boasts more than 100,000 European clients.

Its chief executive Sander Janca-Jensen said they’re “proud that someone like Kevin Magnussen wants to join us as a shareholder”.

Flatpay enters into Magnussen’s investment portfolio alongside the likes of Oakberry, a healthy food-to-go chain, and French football club Le Mans FC, which he part-owns with stars such as fellow former F1 racer Felipe Massa, footballer Thibaut Courtois and tennis star Novak Djokovic.

“I found it an easy decision to invest in the company and partner with them,” the 33-year-old said. 

Griezmann was also announced this year, with the 35-year-old Orlando City player adding the fintech to an investment stable that includes thoroughbred horses.

Magnussen the unicorn investor

“What makes this such a natural fit,” Janca-Jensen added, “is that Kevin is himself a retailer. 

“Through his own investments, he knows exactly how much a modern, dependable payment partner matters day to day.”

Flatpay’s shareholding is majority made up by the likes of co-founder Janca-Jensen and colleagues, while the lead institutional investor is Dawn Capital – a major player in the insurtech, data and cybersecurity sectors.

Elsewhere a number of venture capital growth funds have a combined stake of around 30 per cent, with the likes of Griezmann, Maldini, Gotze and Magnussen part of a minority angel investor fund.

“When you run and develop a retail business, you are totally dependent on partnering with a payment provider who truly understands your deepest needs and can service you around the clock to keep the business running,” the racing driver added.