Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly has become part of the consortium, led by Guenther Steiner, that has recently taken ownership of the Tech3 MotoGP team. This move marks Gasly’s entry into MotoGP investments, highlighting his interest in the sport and its competition style compared to Formula 1. The takeover was finalized following Herve Poncharal’s decision to sell the team, a transition confirmed late last year.
Despite initial concerns from MotoGP fans due to Steiner’s prior management of the Haas F1 team, the deal has ensured Tech3 remains one of the 11 teams on the MotoGP grid. Under new ownership, riders Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales will continue with the team during Steiner’s debut management season in the premier motorcycle racing class.
Gasly’s Critique of Formula 1’s Lack of Overtaking Action Compared to MotoGP
Pierre Gasly has openly expressed his view that Formula 1 does not offer racing as dynamic as MotoGP, particularly in terms of overtaking. Reflecting on his first Formula 1 victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, Gasly emphasized the excitement he finds in MotoGP’s close battles.
The fact is that I would like to see the single-seaters closer in races. In fact, I would like there to be more duels and battles like in MotoGP, which I consider very spectacular.
– Pierre Gasly, Formula 1 Driver
These observations ring true considering that the 2025 F1 season averaged roughly 31 overtakes per race, whereas MotoGP events could feature up to 100 overtakes thanks to more frequent close-contact racing. Some F1 races face significant overtaking difficulties, such as the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, which had only one on-track overtake during its 78 laps, continuing a trend of limited passing largely caused by aerodynamic challenges.
Gasly’s Friendship with Fabio Quartararo and Shared Views on Independent Teams
Aside from investing in MotoGP, Gasly maintains a strong personal connection with Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP world champion and fellow French racer. Gasly has spoken about his wish to see more private teams competing at the highest level in Formula 1, drawing inspiration from how Quartararo’s satellite Yamaha team contends for titles.
Scoring some pole positions and winning some races, I think that will be amazing if we can see something similar in Formula 1.
– Pierre Gasly, Formula 1 Driver
Gasly’s hope is that Formula 1 could emulate MotoGP’s competitive diversity where independent teams, like Tech3 and Quartararo’s outfit, challenge manufacturer-backed teams and create closer, more thrilling contests.
Implications of Gasly’s Investment and Outlook for Tech3
Pierre Gasly’s backing of Tech3 may signal growing crossover interest between top-level motorsport athletes and team ownership in different racing disciplines. His involvement provides fresh energy to Tech3 as it aims to maintain its presence and competitive status in MotoGP under new management. Meanwhile, his critique of overtaking challenges in Formula 1 could add momentum to ongoing discussions about making F1 races closer and more exciting for fans.
As Gasly expands his role in motorsport beyond driving, the Tech3 team’s development during this period will be closely watched. Whether Gasly’s investment influences future collaborative innovation between Formula 1 and MotoGP remains to be seen, but it underlines a growing appreciation of the unique qualities each sport offers.
