Following Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP in July, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner expressed confidence that the motorcycle racing series will maintain its distinct character rather than adopting the Formula 1 blueprint. Liberty Media, which controls both MotoGP and Formula 1 after acquiring the latter in 2017, now oversees the two largest motorsport championships worldwide. Steiner emphasized that unlike F1, where Liberty took direct operational control, MotoGP continues to be managed by the Ezpeleta family despite Liberty owning an 84% stake in promoter Dorna Sports.
This difference, Steiner suggests, will prevent MotoGP from simply replicating Formula 1’s approach, easing concerns about alienating established motorcycle racing fans amid new ownership. He highlighted that MotoGP’s leadership remains deeply familiar with the sport’s unique needs and priorities, providing continuity under Liberty’s majority stake.
Contrasting Management Styles Between MotoGP and F1
Steiner identified the differing management structures between the two series as a key factor in how Liberty Media’s influence will play out. While Liberty assumed day-to-day control of Formula 1 after its 2017 takeover, the Ezpeleta family maintains operational authority over MotoGP. This means that strategic decisions and the sport’s evolution will continue to be driven by those with longstanding involvement in motorcycle racing.
Guenther Steiner remarked,
“I would not go to specifics because every sport has got its own story to tell or its own way to go,”
reinforcing the notion that MotoGP has its own trajectory distinct from F1’s.
He further noted,
“A lot of people are now maybe thinking that because Liberty took over, it will copy-paste Formula 1. I don’t think they will do it because Dorna and the Ezpeleta family are still running this business and they know what is important to MotoGP.”
Liberty Media’s Role Focused on Growth and Fan Engagement
Steiner conveyed his belief that Liberty Media’s involvement will support MotoGP’s expansion and enhance fan interaction rather than impose a wholesale shift in style or management. He emphasized that the series has all the necessary components and people to develop its own identity further without needing to imitate Formula 1.
Regarding Liberty’s contribution, Steiner said,
“Liberty will help with that because they’re an American company, they know sports entertainment and they will bring things to the fans here which the fans will enjoy.”
He acknowledged Liberty’s expertise in sports entertainment, suggesting that their insights could be applied to modernize and increase accessibility for MotoGP followers without compromising the sport’s heritage.
Steiner’s Unique Perspective Bridging MotoGP and F1
Set to become CEO of the Tech3 team in 2026 following a consortium purchase of KTM’s satellite MotoGP outfit, Steiner finds himself uniquely positioned to draw from experiences across both the F1 and MotoGP paddocks. This dual insight allows him to act as a mediator between Liberty’s motorsport properties and encourage beneficial collaboration without direct replication.
As Steiner described,
“I, for sure, will be a link between them. For a long time, Formula 1 was my only thing,”
illustrating his deep involvement in F1 and his fresh role in MotoGP.
He expanded on the value of learning from F1’s growth strategies, especially in digital engagement:
“I don’t think anybody needs to go and copy what was done in F1. You need to look and analyse what was done, what worked, and what not; all the stuff that they did with social media to make that growth in Formula 1.”
He continued,
“About how to bring it to people, there is a lot of potential there, and [the work is] already happening now.”
Looking Forward: Maintaining MotoGP’s Distinct Path
With Liberty Media’s majority ownership, MotoGP is well placed to exploit new avenues for growth and fan engagement while safeguarding its unique character. The cooperative dynamic between Liberty and the Ezpeleta family, combined with Steiner’s bridging role between MotoGP and F1 insights, suggests the series will evolve thoughtfully rather than undergo radical transformation.
This approach appears designed to reassure traditional MotoGP enthusiasts and stakeholders that the sport’s core appeal remains intact, even as opportunities for modernization and wider appeal are pursued. As MotoGP progresses under Liberty’s stewardship, fans can expect incremental innovations grounded in respect for the sport’s history and community.
