F1 legend Lewis Hamilton engages in “concrete talks” with struggling MotoGP manufacturer KTM, as the Austrian brand fights to secure its future
Lewis Hamilton KTM Partnership: Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is in serious discussions with the struggling Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, which faces a staggering €3 billion debt. As a key player in MotoGP since 2017, KTM’s financial challenges have sparked speculation about Hamilton potentially becoming an investor or sponsor to help steer the brand towards stability.
Pit Beirer, KTM’s motorsport director, confirmed the high-stakes discussions, shedding light on the possibility of Hamilton’s involvement. “It’s no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about having his own team,” Beirer revealed to Speedweek. “There are concrete discussions here too.”
Hamilton’s passion for motorcycles and the racing world aligns with KTM’s aspirations to secure its position on the 2025 MotoGP grid. Beirer highlighted the dire situation: “The current financial challenges are making us more creative and open to unconventional solutions.” KTM’s survival now hinges on attracting investors or sponsors to plug the widening fiscal gap.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe potential partnership between Hamilton and KTM is not without its challenges. Beirer issued a clear warning that any deal with the F1 superstar would require alignment with Red Bull, KTM’s long-standing sponsor and partner. “Red Bull and KTM are inseparable,” Beirer stated emphatically.
Hamilton’s history with Red Bull is fraught with tension, stemming from his fierce rivalry with Max Verstappen, who ended Hamilton’s dominance in Formula 1 in 2021. Despite this history, Beirer emphasised that Red Bull’s involvement hasn’t hindered the ongoing talks with Hamilton.
If Hamilton decides to align with KTM, it could signal a bold new chapter for the motorsport icon. His potential investment would not only aim to stabilise KTM’s finances but could also pave the way for his entry into MotoGP, a dream he has often expressed.
Lewis Hamilton KTM Partnership: As KTM fights to secure its future in MotoGP, the outcome of these discussions could significantly impact both the team’s and Hamilton’s legacy. Whether Lewis Hamilton takes on a leading role as KTM’s saviour remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high for the Austrian manufacturer.