Günther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, is set to transform the MotoGP landscape by acquiring the legendary Tech3 team from Hervé Poncharal, with the transition scheduled for 2026. This MotoGP Tech3 Team Takeover represents a significant development in Grand Prix racing, driven by Steiner’s determination and a series of strategic negotiations within the sport’s inner circle.
From Ambition to Acquisition: Navigating MotoGP’s Restrictions
Originally, Steiner aimed not to acquire an existing outfit but to launch a fresh team licensed by MotoGP. However, Dorna, the governing body of the championship, halted this plan. Steiner explains,
“Our idea was to buy a license and establish a new team,”
yet Dorna insisted,
“eleven teams are top-tier. The only solution was to take over an existing team.”
This move highlights Dorna’s effort to maintain control over the sport’s structure and limit the entry of new independent teams.
Key Connections Fueled the Negotiation Process
Steiner credits crucial relationships within the MotoGP community for accelerating the deal. In an interview with Speedweek, he shares,
“My first real contact was with Carlos Ezpeleta. I also knew Carmelo Ezpeleta, through my good friend Carlos Sainz,”
revealing how these connections paved the way for swift progress. From their initial meeting at the Austin Grand Prix to finalizing an agreement two months later, the negotiations moved at an unusually fast pace.
A Straightforward Deal based on Mutual Respect
The acquisition process broke away from typical hardball tactics often seen in sports business. Steiner states simply,
“I wanted to buy. I knew MotoGP was generating serious interest, so I set a price target… and made an offer—Hervé accepted,”
emphasizing his honest approach. He further asserts,
“I didn’t start with a low-ball strategy; why would I? Hervé didn’t have to sell, but I wanted to buy, and I made a fair offer—that’s it!”
Preserving Tech3’s Legacy Under New Leadership
Despite the change in ownership, Steiner intends to honor the team’s heritage. When Poncharal suggested rebranding, Steiner’s answer was immediate and clear: retain the Tech3 name. He acknowledges Poncharal’s decades of work by saying,
“I want to preserve the Tech3 brand. It’s certainly a good thing for the seller when something has been built over decades.”
This respect signals continuity amid transformation, reassuring fans and stakeholders alike.
The Future of Tech3 and Its Place in MotoGP
Steiner’s entry into MotoGP signifies a blending of high-level business acumen from Formula 1 with the unique demands of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. His takeover could lead Tech3 to become a major competitor, testing whether the established MotoGP paddock can adjust to a more aggressive management style.
As the 2026 season approaches, anticipation builds over how this shift will influence team dynamics and racing results. The MotoGP Tech3 Team Takeover might mark the beginning of an era that combines respect for tradition with bold ambitions.
