From F1 to MotoGP: Why Max Verstappen’s Team Ownership Rumors Are Shaking the Paddock
It appears the world of high-octane motorsport is getting a serious jolt. Rumors, which are more like full-blown whispers now, suggest that four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has his eye on a new venture: owning a MotoGP team. This move would see the master of four wheels trying his hand at the two-wheeled pinnacle of racing. While the initial scuttlebutt pointed to the Red Bull KTM team, a deeper dive into the paddock chatter reveals a much broader and more fascinating story.
The Compelling Case for Verstappen’s MotoGP Move
The motorsport landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, a development driven largely by Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of MotoGP. The company’s track record with F1, where it turned a niche sport into a global sensation, has made MotoGP teams a hot commodity. The potential for explosive growth and a significant return on investment is a major draw for an ambitious figure like Verstappen.
It’s a fantastic time for a savvy investor to enter the fray. The average MotoGP team reportedly commands a value between €25-30 million. Former Haas F1 principal Guenther Steiner, a man who knows a thing or two about building a brand, recently acquired the Tech3 KTM team for a cool €20 million. This kind of investment signals a gold rush, and Verstappen, with his deep ties to the Red Bull universe and a passion for all forms of racing, is poised to stake his claim.
Research and Marketing Analysis: The Perfect Storm
While the initial rumor focused on a takeover of the factory Red Bull KTM team, which is co-owned by Bajaj Auto and Pierer Mobility AG, more recent reports indicate that Verstappen’s team is looking at satellite squads. Teams like LCR Honda and Trackhouse Aprilia are the real targets. A smart move, as a new team could attract new sponsors and bring a fresh perspective to the grid.
A Verstappen-led team would be an instant marketing juggernaut. It would create an unprecedented crossover media frenzy, attracting a new generation of fans who have followed his journey in F1. This synergy between the two racing series is a dream for sponsors. Brands could leverage his massive following, creating engaging content and tapping into a global audience. The prospect of an F1 vs. MotoGP ownership rivalry, especially with Lewis Hamilton also reportedly showing interest, adds a thrilling new layer of competition to the sport.
Competitors, Likes, and Dislikes: A Paddock Divided
MotoGP is a gladiatorial arena. The competition is fierce, featuring iconic teams like the Ducati Lenovo Team, Monster Energy Yamaha, and Aprilia Racing. A Verstappen team would be jumping into a shark tank. The fan base, while incredibly passionate, also has its own deeply rooted traditions and rivalries.
The general sentiment among fans is a mix of excitement and skepticism. The “likes” include the promise of fresh investment, new fans, and the potential for the sport to grow exponentially. This is a win for everyone. The “dislikes” often center around the fear of MotoGP losing its unique identity and becoming a less accessible, more corporate version of its F1 counterpart. There are also concerns about F1 figures bringing their own drama to the two-wheeled world. It’s a delicate balance of maintaining the raw, authentic spirit of MotoGP while embracing the commercial opportunities that a figure like Verstappen brings.
Verstappen himself is no stranger to being an owner. His Verstappen.com Racing outfit already competes successfully in GT racing, proving he has a keen eye for talent and a hunger for success away from the F1 grid. While his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, has said that a MotoGP acquisition would require all the stars to align, the fact that these conversations are even happening makes for the most exciting of paddock gossip. It seems the race for motorsport supremacy just got a whole lot more interesting.
Sources
- https://www.blackbookmotorsport.com/news/motogp-lcr-trackhouse-max-verstappen-f1-ownership-september-2025/
- https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/how-verstappen-and-hamilton-are-racing-to-enter-motogp/10757936/
- https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/whats-really-going-on-with-max-verstappens-motogp-team-takeover-interest/
- https://www.rideapart.com/news/771725/max-verstappen-jos-motogp-team-lcr-trackhouse-purchase/
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