Liberty Media Confirms Lewis Hamilton’s Interest in MotoGP Team Ownership Amid Major Takeover

Liberty Media has revealed that Lewis Hamilton is interested in purchasing a MotoGP team. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion is eager to participate in the MotoGP series.

Liberty Media's Chief Executive Officer, Greg Maffei, revealed that Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton inquired about purchasing a MotoGP team following the announcement of the American company's acquisition of the series.

In April this year, the owner of Formula 1, Liberty, revealed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in MotoGP for €4.2 billion. They aim to finalize the acquisition by the end of 2024, pending approval from the European Union's antitrust authorities.

In the previous month, Liberty revealed that it had sold F1 shares valued at $825 million to facilitate the finalization of the purchase.

Following the announcement, Maffei stated in May that Liberty had encountered a significant amount of interest from manufacturers wanting to participate in MotoGP.

In the past few months, there have been speculations that Hamilton, who has always been a MotoGP enthusiast, was considering purchasing the Gresini Racing team. However, he dismissed these claims, stating that he hasn’t seriously considered team ownership when questioned about it.

At the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference, Maffei mentioned that Hamilton contacted Liberty after hearing about its acquisition of MotoGP, expressing interest in owning a team.

Maffei started by saying, "In my opinion, MotoGP is an incredibly thrilling offering."

"Observing individuals zooming by on motorcycles at speeds of 220 mph, separated by only six inches, is astonishing. The way they maneuver and overtake each other is truly remarkable."

“It’s a thrilling product, but unfortunately, it remains relatively unknown in the United States. However, there is growing interest in Asia and other regions around the globe.”

"The core focus has been on Spain and Italy, with France also playing a role to some extent. I believe there's a potential for growth."

He mentioned that as soon as the announcement was made, they received immediate calls from individuals expressing their interest in purchasing a team, including notable figures like Lewis Hamilton.

"Why? They observed the events in Formula 1 and aim to replicate its success."

"We had significant distributors reach out, expressing their desire to participate, but I had to inform them that we couldn't engage in discussions until we received approval from the EU. We are eager to talk once that happens."

Liberty aims to grow MotoGP's presence in the U.S.

It has been widely anticipated that once Liberty officially acquires MotoGP, its initial strategy will be to enhance the sport's footprint in America.

From 2008 to 2011, while Formula 1 did not hold any races in the United States, MotoGP made two stops in the country each year. By 2013, MotoGP had expanded its presence in the U

In the past few years, Liberty has successfully included three American races in the Formula 1 schedule.

Although American riders have historically achieved significant success in motorcycle grand prix racing, enthusiasm for the series has declined over time. Consequently, the US Grand Prix in Austin tends to attract fewer spectators compared to other races on the current MotoGP schedule.

Liberty is confident that it can achieve the same success with MotoGP in America as it did with F1.

"We observed the impact we could have on Formula 1 by focusing on the narratives, humanizing them, and expanding beyond just the cars and technology. We highlighted the drivers' actions and behind-the-scenes activities, ensuring that the global audience grasped the full scope of events," Maffei explains.

“We also made numerous enhancements to the television experience, upgrading the visual elements and helping our audience grasp the narrative more effectively.”

"All of these issues can be addressed here. Honestly, I believe they are expanding in the US."

"They host a single race in Austin, generating comparatively modest income from television and similar sources."

"I believe there is a chance to enhance that, and possibly a chance to add a second race in the United States."

"These are chances that intrigue us similarly to how Formula 1 does, and we hope to recreate that appeal."

Liberty's efforts to capture American interest once more have received several boosts in recent seasons.

To start, Joe Roberts, a leading Grand Prix rider, competes in Moto2, and in 2024, the US-owned Trackhouse Racing team entered the MotoGP lineup.

In 2023, Dan Rossomondo, who previously served as an NBA executive, was appointed as the Chief Commercial Officer.

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