Manchester United’s decline has become one of the biggest challenges of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s time in football, with the billionaire still searching for a formula that can restore the club to the top of the game.

The INEOS chief took control of United’s football operations after acquiring a minority stake in February 2024, promising a more efficient structure and a return to sustained success.

However, the changes at Old Trafford have not delivered the progress supporters expected, with managerial decisions and recruitment coming under increasing scrutiny.

Michael Carrick has found himself under serious pressure after a difficult start to the 2026/27 season.

United have gone nine matches without a victory and sit 17th in the Premier League, leaving Ratcliffe facing further questions about the direction of the club.

Away from Old Trafford, however, Ratcliffe has finally had reason to celebrate after one of his major sporting investments delivered a historic achievement.

INEOS praised in Kimi Antonelli F1 title win

Kimi Antonelli became Formula One’s youngest-ever world champion on Sunday, securing the 2026 drivers’ title with third place at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old needed only to finish inside the top nine to guarantee the championship, and his podium was enough to put him beyond the reach of his rivals.

Max Verstappen won the race, with Lewis Hamilton second, but the afternoon belonged to the young Italian and Mercedes.

INEOS owns a one-third stake in Mercedes, having joined Daimler and team principal Toto Wolff as equal shareholders in December 2020.

The partnership initially began through sponsorship in 2019 before Ratcliffe’s company increased its involvement at ownership level.

Antonelli’s achievement is Mercedes’ first drivers’ championship since Lewis Hamilton won the 2020 title, although the team has continued to secure race victories and remain competitive during the intervening seasons.

Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord praised the relationship with INEOS, telling City A.M., “Ineos have been incredible partners for the team”.

He added, “They empower the team to go out and race and win and perform on track.”

Lord also said, “If we can reward that financial and sporting commitment and with success this season, I think we’ll all be delighted to do that.”

The achievement offers a positive result for Ratcliffe’s wider sporting portfolio, which also includes OGC Nice and FC Lausanne-Sport.

At United, the pressure is particularly significant.

The club’s recent instability has included expensive recruitment decisions, changes behind the scenes and a succession of managerial setbacks.

Ratcliffe has repeatedly spoken about building a structure capable of competing at the highest level, but Kimi Antonelli success in Formula One is a reminder of what a well-functioning sporting project can achieve.