Guenther Steiner, known for his time in Formula 1, will lead the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 MotoGP team.
The world of motorcycling is about to receive an injection of experience and charisma with the arrival of Guenther Steiner, who will lead the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 MotoGP team. Steiner, recognized for his time as team principal of the Haas Formula 1 team, will take over as CEO at the end of the year, following the acquisition of the French team for an estimated value of 20 million euros.
MotoGP, the pinnacle of motorcycling, is characterized by its exciting competition and unpredictability on the track. Although Marc Márquez currently dominates the championship, eleven riders from six different teams have won races in the last two seasons, demonstrating the competitiveness of the category.
“That means a lot to me because it’s what I was missing,” Steiner stated. “In F1… it’s like, ‘We can’t get to the podium,’ but in MotoGP there’s an opportunity; if we do a good job, we can get there. It’s in our hands because the grid is more mixed without performance balance or anything.”
Guenther SteinerSteiner, who left Haas after the 2023 season, has shown great interest in MotoGP. His career in motorsport began in rallying in the 1980s, and he is now drawn to the excitement and challenge of MotoGP.
The speed and skill of MotoGP riders, who reach lean angles of up to 70 degrees, impressed Steiner. He had the opportunity to experience the adrenaline on a two-seater motorcycle, which increased his appreciation for the risk and physical effort involved in this sport.
“What these guys do with the bikes, the challenge, the danger, all this… it’s very, very good to see, in my opinion,” Steiner commented. “I’ve always been surrounded by cars, I’ve been with fast drivers in fast cars, but… the last time I was scared in a car was with Colin McRae in a rally car, and I think that was the closest I’ve been to sitting on the back of one of these bikes. It’s not fear, but you can see the challenge out there, you can feel it.”
Guenther Steiner
The arrival of Steiner could attract a new global audience, thanks to his participation in the Netflix documentary series “Drive To Survive”. His authentic and direct personality made him a sensation, and his presence could further boost the commercial growth of MotoGP.
MotoGP is experiencing a commercial renaissance, with record attendance and a significant increase in viewership in several markets. The acquisition of Dorna Sports, the holder of MotoGP’s commercial rights, by Liberty Media, owner of F1, promises even greater growth.
“He understands the business, he gets it,” said Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports sporting director, about Steiner. “Of course, his personality has helped a lot. I think some people might be offended to say he’s the biggest character in ‘Drive to Survive’, but I agree. He’s been huge.”
The series has attracted the interest of other investors, including figures like Lewis Hamilton, Bolt Ventures and Pau Gasol, who have held conversations with MotoGP about the possibility of owning a team.With Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini as riders, Steiner will seek to lead the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 team to success and attract a new global audience for MotoGP.
