Lewis Hamilton, preparing for his much-anticipated 2026 Formula 1 campaign, shifted gears this winter by leaving his powerful Ducati behind in favor of a KTM enduro experience. Focusing on Lewis Hamilton KTM training, the seven-time champion swapped smooth roadways for rugged dirt tracks in an effort to keep his competitive edge sharp.
Hamilton Takes on Off-Road Challenge with KTM 250 EXC-F
Unlike many of his rivals who opted for leisurely yacht retreats or quick rounds of padel, Hamilton, now a Ferrari driver, embarked on an intense off-road adventure while training on a KTM 250 EXC-F enduro bike. Known in the industry for its nimbleness and responsive engine, the KTM demands both physical strength and meticulous throttle handling—qualities Hamilton is well known for. The 250 EXC-F is powered by a 47hp quarter-litre four-stroke engine and weighs just 103kg when dry, enabling both agility and endurance. Advanced features like high-spec suspension and CNC-machined triple clamps help the bike handle even the most aggressive riding, which Hamilton embraced during his sessions.
A Passion for Two Wheels Goes Beyond Training
Throughout the F1 season, Hamilton has highlighted his enthusiasm for motorcycles, regularly arriving at European circuits riding either a Ducati Panigale V4 R superbike or his unique MV Agusta F4 LH44. This off-season’s muddy KTM expedition demonstrates his commitment to intense preparation and his broader passion for two-wheeled machines.
Leclerc Enjoys A Contrast in Holiday Style
Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, chose a more laid-back break, opting to spend his holidays in St Moritz, where he was seen steering a Ferrari Purosangue SUV alongside Alexandra Saint Mleux. The high-performance vehicle represents elite road car engineering from the Maranello team, presenting a stark contrast to Hamilton’s mud-splattered, off-road exploits.
Motorsport Ambitions Stretch into Team Ownership
Lewis Hamilton’s fascination with motorcycles may be leading him beyond riding and racing; Motorsport.com has reported his interest in acquiring a stake in a MotoGP team. With Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of MotoGP, similar to their transformative influence on Formula 1, opportunities for expansion in the two-wheeled championship could be significant. Hamilton’s ambitions are mirrored by others in the paddock, as former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner reportedly led a consortium to purchase the Tech3 KTM team, and four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen is rumored to be interested in MotoGP ownership as well.
Racing’s Wider Appeal and Future Possibilities
“Max is a big racing enthusiast in general,”
– Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s manager.
“He is very involved in the GT3 division with his Verstappen.com team. It’s no secret that he is also interested in MotoGP, but thinking about buying a team is not a realistic goal at this moment. Everything would have to fall into place perfectly, and the chances of that happening imminently are minimal.”
– Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen’s manager.
These developments show that top drivers like Hamilton and Verstappen are exploring motorsport avenues far beyond their usual four-wheeled competitions. As 2026 approaches and with growing links between elite racing categories, Lewis Hamilton’s dedication to rigorous KTM training and his potential foray into MotoGP ownership could have far-reaching effects, intensifying F1’s crossover with other racing scenes and setting the stage for a new wave of motorsport engagement.
