Liberty Media’s CEO, Greg Maffei, recently revealed that Lewis Hamilton, the celebrated seven-time Formula One world champion, has shown a strong interest in acquiring a MotoGP team. This announcement comes shortly after Liberty Media’s strategic move into the motorcycle racing arena, marked by their acquisition of a substantial 86% stake in Dorna Sports, the organization responsible for managing the MotoGP series since its inception in 1992. This acquisition, completed in April 2023, was valued at an impressive $4.2 billion, with the remaining 14% of shares still retained by MotoGP.
In addition to this significant investment in the motorcycle racing sector, Liberty Media made headlines last month by announcing the sale of its $825 million stake in Formula One. This decision further illustrates the company’s dynamic and adaptive approach to managing its diverse portfolio within the motorsport industry.
During a recent appearance at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia+ Technology Conference on September 11, Maffei elaborated on Hamilton’s interest in owning a MotoGP team. He noted that following the announcement of Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP, the company was flooded with inquiries from various interested parties, including Hamilton himself. Maffei stated, “When we made the announcement, we immediately received calls from interested parties, including Lewis Hamilton. They witnessed the transformation in Formula 1 and want to replicate that success.” This comment highlights the increasing appeal of motorsport investments, particularly in light of the successful revitalization of Formula One under Liberty Media’s management.
Maffei went on to explain that while there has been a surge of interest from potential investors, including major distributors eager to enter the MotoGP landscape, he had to inform them that discussions could not advance until the company received the necessary approvals from the European Union. He expressed enthusiasm about the potential for engaging with these interested parties once the required regulatory approvals are obtained, indicating a promising future for MotoGP and its expansion under Liberty Media’s ownership.
This strategic pivot towards motorcycle racing not only diversifies Liberty Media’s portfolio but also positions the company to capitalize on the growing interest in motorsport as a lucrative investment opportunity. With figures like Hamilton looking to enter the fray, the landscape of MotoGP could see significant changes, potentially mirroring the successful transformation witnessed in Formula One.
The CEO of Liberty Media recently provided valuable insights regarding the company’s strategic plans to invest in the motorcycle racing series, highlighting a strong sense of optimism for the sport’s potential growth in the United States. He drew parallels between the current state of motorcycle racing and the successful trajectory of car racing in the country.
“To be honest, expanding in the US is crucial,” he emphasized, noting that the series currently hosts only one race in Austin, Texas, which generates relatively low television revenues. He pointed out that there is significant potential for a second race in the U.S., suggesting that such opportunities are reminiscent of the early days of Formula 1’s expansion in the country. “I hope we can achieve similar success in this arena,” Maffei remarked, indicating a clear vision for the future of motorcycle racing in the U.S. market.
In a related development, seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his keen interest in potentially acquiring a MotoGP team if the opportunity arises. During the British Grand Prix, Hamilton shared his enthusiasm for the growth of motorcycle racing, stating, “I’m intrigued by the sport’s potential, but I haven’t delved deeply into it yet. However, I’m open to possibilities.” He elaborated on his interest in team ownership, which initially sparked with his involvement in the NFL’s Denver Broncos, a team he acquired a stake in back in 2022.
Hamilton foresees a wealth of opportunities in the next five to ten years, indicating a long-term vision for his involvement in motorsports. Reports have surfaced linking him to a potential purchase of the Gresini Racing team, which currently features MotoGP superstar Marc Marquez.
This move would mark a significant step in Hamilton’s diversification of investments, as he continues to explore new avenues within the world of competitive racing, including his founding of Team X44 in the Extreme E series. As both Liberty Media and Hamilton look to capitalize on the growing interest in motorcycle racing, the future of the sport in the U.S. appears promising.
From F1 to MotoGP: Liberty Media’s CEO Unveils Lewis Hamilton’s Ambitious Plans for Team Ownership
