Lewis Hamilton is reported to have entered into “concrete talks” regarding a potential investment in the struggling KTM MotoGP project.
This development comes as KTM faces significant financial difficulties, with reported debts amounting to approximately €3 billion, prompting the Austrian manufacturer to seek external investment to stave off looming bankruptcy.
The ongoing financial crisis has raised concerns about the future of KTM MotoGP project beyond 2025 as the company currently undergoes self-administration process under Austrian law, which aims to restructure its finances while maintaining its competitive presence in motorsports.
Despite these challenges, KTM’s executives have expressed optimism about their short-term survival and are actively seeking external investment to stabilize their operations and continue competing at the highest level.
KTM MotoGP team director Pit Beirer confirmed the discussions with Lewis Hamilton’s management and emphasized that the talks are serious and ongoing.
“I can only say that we had very interesting discussions with his management,” Pit Beirer told Speedweek.
“It’s no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about his own team. Here, too, there are concrete talks.”
Hamilton’s interest in motorcycle racing is not new. He has previously expressed admiration for MotoGP and has been linked to potential investments in other teams, including Ducati’s satellite team, Gresini.
The recent discussions with KTM appear to be more advanced and focused on a potential buy-in that could significantly impact both parties. However, there are complexities involved in the potential collaboration.
Notably, Lewis Hamilton has longstanding ties to Monster Energy, which could pose conflicts given KTM MotoGP team’s partnership with Red Bull—a direct rival of Monster Energy.
Despite this concern, Beirer has indicated that such issues have not hindered negotiations thus far. He clarified that while sponsors typically have limited influence over team decisions, investors like Hamilton would play a more significant role in shaping the direction of the team.
“Anyone who wants to work with us knows about the proximity – Red Bull and KTM are inseparable,” he added. “That has not been an issue in the negotiations so far.
“An investor is something different from a sponsor. We also work with our sponsors in a very strong partnership. When you have partners at the table who give you money for such a great project, they get involved. That should also be positive.
“When strong partners sit at the table and think, good solutions come to light together. So it’s clear that such people will have a certain say.”
Lewis Hamilton’s potential involvement to save the KTM MotoGP project could bring not only financial support but also increased visibility and prestige to the team.
As one of the most recognizable figures in motorsport, Hamilton’s entry into MotoGP would undoubtedly attract attention and potentially new sponsors. His experience as a team owner, having invested in NFL franchise Denver Broncos and founded Team X44 in Extreme E, positions him well for this venture.
Moreover, the ongoing transformation within MotoGP—spurred by Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of an 86% stake from Dorna Sports for €4.2 billion—has heightened interest from various investors looking to capitalize on the sport’s growth potential.
This backdrop creates a fertile ground for discussions between Hamilton and KTM MotoGP as both parties seek to navigate these turbulent waters together.
KTM currently operates two teams in MotoGP: its factory outfit and a satellite team known as Tech3. The brand has yet to secure a premier-class title but boasts a strong lineup of riders, including promising talents like Pedro Acosta, who is seen as a future champion.
Lewis Hamilton’s investment could provide the necessary resources for KTM to boost its competitiveness and potentially challenge for titles in the coming years.
As negotiations progress, it remains unclear what form Hamilton’s involvement might take—whether as an investor or perhaps even as part of a broader ownership structure. However, his commitment to exploring opportunities within MotoGP signals a significant shift in his career trajectory beyond F1.
