Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has received authorization to pursue the acquisition of a MotoGP team, aiming to expand his involvement in motorsport through ownership. The Red Bull driver’s interest in MotoGP, a passion since his youth, is driving his efforts to become an investor amid a transforming MotoGP landscape.
Liberty Media’s takeover of MotoGP last year is expected to significantly increase the sport’s global value, mirroring their success with Formula 1. This surge is creating new opportunities for team owners and potential buyers alike, prompting Verstappen to explore options for entering the MotoGP paddock as a team owner.
Interest from F1 Insiders Fuels MotoGP Ownership Changes
The expansion of interest in MotoGP ownership includes figures like Guenther Steiner, who acquired the Tech3 team and plans to absorb KTM’s operation by 2025. Lewis Hamilton, another Formula 1 star, also attempted discussions with Gresini Racing but was unable to secure a purchase as the team isn’t willing to sell.
Similarly, Verstappen has conducted negotiations with several MotoGP teams. Recent reports now indicate that he has obtained the green light needed to finalize a takeover, marking a key development in his ambitions within motorcycle racing.
Verstappen Focuses on Acquiring the Trackhouse MotoGP Team
Among the six satellite teams currently competing, LCR and Trackhouse have been the primary targets for Verstappen’s potential investment. Team valuations are expected to rise considerably as Liberty’s influence grows and satellite teams gain the ability to design proprietary chassis starting in 2027.
Initially, both Lucio Cecchinello of LCR and Justin Marks of Trackhouse showed a reluctance to sell outright; Cecchinello was only open to minority shares, and Marks was intent on retaining ownership. However, reports from GPOne have revealed a shift in Marks’ position.
Justin Marks is now reportedly open to selling Trackhouse and has received an offer that surpasses the price Guenther Steiner paid for Tech3, indicating a significant move toward a possible transition of ownership.
Potential Manufacturer and Team Changes Loom for 2027 Season
The American-based Trackhouse team’s current partnership with Aprilia ends after the 2026 season, with contract negotiations for the 2027–2031 period already underway. The MotoGP rider market’s volatility has sparked rumors about possible changes in manufacturer alliances for several teams.
Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team is rumored to be considering departure from Ducati, which could influence Aprilia’s partnership arrangements and potentially affect Trackhouse’s role as their satellite team. Should VR46 join Aprilia, it may force Trackhouse to step aside or seek a new manufacturer association.
Meanwhile, Honda is reportedly in discussions with Trackhouse to add them as a second satellite team, although Aprilia’s Massimo Rivola has emphasized that Trackhouse remains Aprilia’s “priority,” despite the ongoing speculations.
Implications of Verstappen’s MotoGP Team Acquisition
If Verstappen successfully completes the purchase of Trackhouse, it could mark a significant shift in MotoGP’s team ownership landscape, especially with Liberty Media’s increasing influence expected to enhance the sport’s commercial appeal and technological innovation. Verstappen’s presence as an owner would further bridge the gap between MotoGP and Formula 1, potentially attracting more crossover fans and investment.
The approaching 2027 season will likely bring changes in team alignments and manufacturer partnerships, with Verstappen’s investment playing a crucial role in the evolving dynamics of the MotoGP grid. This takeover would exemplify the growing interest of Formula 1 figures in motorcycle racing ownership and could accelerate MotoGP’s global expansion.
“Marks would not be ‘averse’ to selling his team, and he has supposedly received an offer that is higher than what Steiner paid for Tech3.” ?GPOne Report
“Trackhouse are Aprilia’s ‘priority’ amid the links to VR46.” ?Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Team Principal
