Guenther Steiner, former team boss of Haas in Formula 1, is close to making a big move into MotoGP by buying the Tech3 team. According to some reports, Steiner is now finalising a deal estimated at just over €20 million to take control of the team, which was founded by Herve Poncharal and Guy Coulon back in 1990.

This would mark Steiner’s return to the top level of motorsport after leaving his position at Haas earlier in 2024. Gene Haas, the owner of the F1 team, chose not to renew Steiner’s contract and instead handed team leadership over to Ayao Komatsu. Since then, Steiner has been seen regularly at MotoGP races, sparking rumours about his interest in the two-wheeled world.

The Tech3 team, originally competing in the lower 250cc class, joined MotoGP in 2001 after winning a world title with French rider Olivier Jacque. Over the years, Tech3 has become one of the most respected satellite teams in the paddock, currently racing with support from KTM, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer.

This possible takeover is happening just months after Liberty Media – the company that owns Formula 1 – completed the purchase of Dorna, the promoter of MotoGP. This move has already started bringing F1 and MotoGP closer together. Even Lewis Hamilton said last year that he was looking into buying two MotoGP grid slots. Motorsport is clearly entering a new era where the boundaries between different racing categories are becoming less rigid.

Guenther Steiner became a fan favourite during his time in F1, especially after appearing in the popular Netflix series Drive to Survive, where his straight-talking style and sense of humour made him stand out. Known for his tough but honest approach, Steiner led Haas from its entry into F1 in 2016.

His interest in Tech3 has now turned into a serious business move. However, Steiner is not doing this alone. Most of the financial support is coming from Apex, a company that manages investments for around 100 professional athletes, including current McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris. Apex has already made headlines in the racing world by buying a 20% stake in the Alpine F1 team.

It’s also believed that other F1 drivers are investing in Apex, although they have chosen to stay anonymous. This trend shows how racing stars are increasingly looking to expand their influence beyond just driving on the track.

So, what’s next for Tech3?

Tech3 team boss Herve Poncharal has been open about speaking with potential investors in recent years. He even mentioned Steiner publicly, saying during last year’s Aragon GP, “There’s a name circulating in the media: Guenther Steiner. Yes, we’ve spoken with him – he’s very kind and direct, and I really like that. He has a lot of experience in motorsport.”

If the deal goes ahead, it’s expected that Poncharal will slowly step back, allowing Steiner to learn the ropes and eventually take full control. It’s important to note that the plan is to keep the current staff, riders, and team base in France. This means the people who have built Tech3’s identity will remain, ensuring stability during the transition.

However, Tech3 is a satellite team that receives bikes from KTM, which recently went through financial difficulties. Luckily for KTM, the Indian brand Bajaj stepped in and took control by investing around €800 million. With this support, KTM has confirmed it will remain in MotoGP until at least 2026.

This is an important point because Tech3 riders Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini are directly contracted to KTM, not the Tech3 team itself. Their contracts are secure, and the team will continue racing with KTM’s bikes next season.

Looking ahead, all current team agreements with MotoGP’s rights holders expire at the end of 2026. This means 2027 could bring major changes, as satellite teams will have the opportunity to renegotiate deals or switch manufacturers.

New Era

If everything is finalised, Guenther Steiner’s entry into MotoGP could mark the beginning of a new era for both him and Tech3. His experience managing an F1 team, combined with his popularity and strong backing from Apex and other supporters, could bring fresh energy into the sport.

As MotoGP moves closer to Formula 1 in terms of business, media, and investment, deals like this one are likely to become more common. Since Liberty Media stepped into MotoGP, interest from major investors has grown rapidly. Almost every satellite team has received offers from investment firms, wealthy individuals, or companies looking to get involved.

For fans, seeing a familiar face like Steiner in the MotoGP paddock could help the sport feel more connected to the broader world of motorsport. And for Steiner, it’s a chance to take on a brand new challenge – one that could shape the future of MotoGP.