Guenther Steiner has officially transitioned from his role at Haas F1 to the MotoGP scene after acquiring the Tech3 team late in the 2025 season. Speaking from the Thailand Grand Prix paddock, Steiner identified the main distinction between the MotoGP and Formula 1 environments while acknowledging the shared challenges both face.
Ownership of Tech3 and Initial Reactions within the MotoGP Community
Steiner led a consortium that purchased the KTM satellite team from Herve Poncharal, securing backing from F1 driver Pierre Gasly. He assumed the position of CEO, with Richard Coleman stepping in as team principal. This significant change did not receive unanimous support from MotoGP fans, many of whom expressed skepticism about Steiner’s expertise in a sport outside his F1 background. Despite this, Steiner has been given the opportunity to prove his capabilities over time as he settles into his new leadership role.
Comparing MotoGP and F1: Team Size and Operational Challenges
In a candid discussion on the Motorsport Republica podcast at the Thailand Grand Prix, Steiner outlined the biggest difference between the two racing disciplines. Despite them sharing similar obstacles such as limited resources and constant pressure for improved performance, he emphasized that the scale of the teams sets them apart.
He explained, “There are a lot less people in MotoGP. I wouldn’t say it’s simpler because it isn’t simple, there’s a lot of work to be done, and you’ve got less people.
“It would be a lot simpler if you had the same amount of people that are in F1 with a MotoGP bike, but you don’t. But otherwise, it is a race team.
“The principles are the same: you never have enough time, nothing is good enough, you’re never fast enough, you never have enough money, everybody wants to spend more money.
It’s the same old story. It’s racing. I would say it’s just the size of it. That’s the biggest difference, the size of the team.
— Guenther Steiner, CEO of Tech3 MotoGP
Struggles for Tech3 Riders at the Thailand Grand Prix After Promising Tests
The start of Steiner’s career as a MotoGP team owner did not meet expectations during the Thailand Grand Prix. Although pre-season testing showed potential within the squad, riders Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini finished outside the top ten in the race itself. Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta, riding an equivalent KTM bike, led the championship after strong performances.
Vinales expressed significant frustration with his race pace in Buriram, noting it did not reflect the promising speed demonstrated in the final pre-season testing at the same circuit. Bastianini, the highest-placed Tech3 rider in Thailand, also pointed out concerns related to KTM’s internal focus.
As a Grand Prix winner, Bastianini has publicly called on KTM to broaden their development efforts beyond Pedro Acosta, who currently receives the majority of the manufacturer’s attention due to his results. Nonetheless, Acosta’s strong championship position suggests he will remain a priority within the KTM family going forward.
Implications for Tech3 and the Future of Steiner’s MotoGP Involvement
Steiner’s experience underlines the complexities involved in shifting from Formula 1 to MotoGP management. The smaller team sizes and intense resource pressures present distinct challenges that differ from those in four-wheel racing. Although initial race results have been disappointing, especially compared to rivals like Acosta, there is a cautious atmosphere around what Steiner can achieve as he adapts to the premier motorcycle racing environment.
How Tech3 evolves throughout the 2026 season will likely depend on whether Steiner and his leadership team can capitalize on the technical and strategic opportunities available within MotoGP’s unique structure. The situation also highlights the broader tension between rider development priorities and team resource allocation in a highly competitive setting.
