Guenther Steiner, former Formula 1 team principal, has won the race to acquire a MotoGP team by purchasing Tech3, edging ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s known interest in the sport. The deal, completed in September 2025, appoints Steiner as the new CEO of the team, marking his entry into motorcycle racing management.
Tech3, a respected MotoGP outfit that has competed at the highest level since 2002, will now be led by Steiner, who transitions from his role in Formula 1 where he served as the principal of Haas from 2016 to 2023. This move elevates Steiner’s involvement in motorsport, positioning him at the helm of a team with a rich heritage and untapped potential.
Background on Steiner’s Move and Team Leadership Changes
Steiner is stepping into the leadership role previously held by Herve Poncharal, a figure instrumental in building Tech3’s reputation over many years. Taking over at the Catalan Grand Prix, Steiner expressed enthusiasm about the new challenge. He said,
“This is a fantastic opportunity. Tech3 is a great team with a huge amount of potential and an impressive legacy.”
Recognizing the longstanding impact of Poncharal on the team and MotoGP as a whole, Steiner committed to building on those foundations. He added,
“Herve’s impact on the team and MotoGP itself cannot be overstated, and we’re honoured to take over and keep building on those foundations.”
Financing for the £17 million purchase primarily came from IKON Capital, supporting Steiner’s entry into the sport. He also stressed the importance of integrating with the MotoGP paddock and growing the sport’s audience globally, stating,
“We’re excited to become part of the MotoGP paddock and maximise the potential of the team and the sport as it continues to grow, helping to bring it to new audiences.”
What Drives Formula 1 Figures’ Interest in MotoGP?
The timing of Steiner’s purchase aligns closely with Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP’s commercial rights earlier this year. Liberty Media, already the owner of Formula 1, finalized its £3.3 billion purchase of MotoGP from Dorna, aiming to replicate its successful growth strategy.
MotoGP is seen as an exciting and fast-growing motorsport, with Liberty CEO Greg Maffei highlighting its thrilling nature:
“To see people riding motorcycles at 220mph, six inches from each other is wild, and the overtaking there is incredibly impressive.”
Maffei noted that although MotoGP remains less known in markets like the United States, it has a strong following in Europe, especially Spain and Italy, and there is potential for expansion in Asia and other regions. The high-profile crossover of F1 personalities into MotoGP underscores the sport’s rising global appeal. He reflected on the interest expressed by F1 personalities, including Lewis Hamilton, by saying,
“When we announced it, we had immediately people call up and say: ‘I want to buy a team’, including people like Lewis Hamilton.”
Steiner’s acquisition reflects this momentum and intense interest from established motorsport figures seeking to diversify or shift focus within the racing industry. Liberty’s stewardship aims to elevate MotoGP’s profile and economic strength similarly to Formula 1.
Steiner’s Takeover: Positive Outcomes for MotoGP and KTM Partnership
While Liberty Media’s investment and Hamilton’s MotoGP ambitions generate excitement, the sport has also faced challenges, notably KTM’s financial difficulties late last year. KTM, which carries a reported £2.5 billion debt, filed for insolvency on the production side but reassured stakeholders that its MotoGP program remained intact and competitive.
KTM restructured its debt in early 2025, enabling it to continue producing motorcycles and competing effectively. Presently, KTM holds third place in the MotoGP constructors’ championship, ahead of strong contenders Honda and Yamaha, indicating resilience within the sport despite financial hurdles.
Tech3, operating as a KTM customer team, benefits directly from Steiner’s takeover, preserving the partnership with KTM and continuing the Tech3 brand name as part of the agreement. Poncharal, stepping down as CEO, reflected on the transition:
“This is the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting one for all of us.”
He added,
“I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved since Tech3 was born, winning MotoGP races and taking so many podiums, as well as what we have built over these decades with all the people we crossed paths with.”
Poncharal expressed confidence in Steiner’s leadership, saying,
“I know that Guenther will lead the team with direction, ambition, and integrity – not forgetting that little bit of rock’n’roll spirit it was founded on.”
He concluded,
“Tech3 will be in good hands to help it grow even more in this new era for MotoGP.”
Implications for the Future of MotoGP and Lewis Hamilton’s Ambitions
Steiner’s takeover arrives at a transformative moment for MotoGP, as Liberty Media’s majority ownership seeks to accelerate growth and global reach. This transaction not only reinforces KTM’s presence in the sport through Tech3 but also adds an experienced motorsport manager with a rich background in Formula 1.
For Lewis Hamilton, whose interest in MotoGP team ownership has been well documented, Steiner’s early acquisition means a delay or reconsideration of his plans in this arena. Hamilton’s desire to engage with his second-favourite sport was widely anticipated following his Formula 1 career peak, but Steiner’s purchase shows the challenges in breaking into established team ownership.
Overall, this development highlights the increasing crossover influence between Formula 1 and MotoGP, driven by shared ownership and investment strategies that aim to expand the fanbase and commercial success of motorcycle racing worldwide.
