KTM is currently going through a major financial crisis which places it on the verge of bankruptcy. The group, however, wishes to maintain its commitment to MotoGP, and has already assured that all KTM teams will take part in the 2025 season.
Despite everything, rumors are rife regarding potential investors to save the group. First, the name Red Bull, linked to the long-standing Austrian brand, had come out of the woodwork. The energy drink giant, however, denied these.
More recently, and especially more surprisingly, Lewis Hamilton was cited as a potential investor. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion would indeed have a great interest in MotoGP and would like to have a team on the grid of the premier two-wheel category.
Hamilton interested in KTM
In any case, this is what he confirmed in the middle of the summer, when rumors of a takeover of the Gresini team had emerged. If Lewis Hamilton will certainly not pay off KTM's debts, which are today estimated at several billion euros, Pit Beirer, executive of the firm, has confirmed the latter's interest.
“The current situation allows for creativity and openness to new discussions, confides the KTM Motorsport Director in an interview with speedweek.com. We are therefore not only open to sponsors, as was the case until now, but also to investors. At this point I need to rest a bit. Liberty Media has made an offer of 4.2 billion for MotoGP and we all hope that this can be accepted.
The five manufacturers Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, Aprilia and KTM represent a very large value of these 4.2 billion, he continues. It is therefore clear that enormous value is considered for the MotoGP class, ultimately for all three classes. This aroused the interest of investors, they came to us and asked if they could invest in such a MotoGP project. »
Regarding Lewis Hamilton, he clarifies. “I can only say that we had very interesting conversations with his management. It's no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and thinking about his own team. Here too, there are concrete conversations. »
READ ALSO > The future of KTM in MotoGP increasingly uncertain
A conflict between Red Bull and Monster?
However, some constraints undermine the credibility of the potential agreement that Hamilton and KTM could reach. It should be remembered that the Briton's personal sponsor is Monster Energy, Red Bull's number 1 competitor, which sponsors KTM. Despite everything, this data does not affect the negotiations in any way, according to Pit Beirer.
“Anyone who wants to work with us knows the closeness between Red Bull and KTM. Until now, this was not a subject in the negotiations, adds the German again. KTM officials are aware that it is a big step to bring investors into the MotoGP boat. »
If the two brands do not generally coexist as sponsors, as was verified with Marc Marquez this year. The Spaniard, Red Bull driver, had to leave the Red Bull to join Ducati, Monster team.
The KTM Motorsports director, however, recalls that sponsor and investor are two very distinct roles.
“An investor is something other than a sponsor. We also work with our sponsors in a very strong partnership. If you have partners at the table giving you money for such a big project, they get involved. It's also supposed to be positive. When strong partners sit at the table and brainstorm, good solutions are found together. It is therefore clear that such people will have a certain right to speak” concludes Pit Beirer.
