KTM confirms possible alliance with Lewis Hamilton

KTM is currently going through a major financial crisis that is putting it on the verge of bankruptcy. However, the group wants to maintain its commitment to MotoGP, and has already assured that all KTM teams will take part in the 2025 season.

Despite this, rumors are rife about potential investors to save the group. First of all, the name of Red Bull, long-time affiliate of the Austrian brand, had come out of the woodwork. The energy drink giant had however denied these allegations.

More recently, and especially more surprisingly, Lewis Hamilton has been cited as a potential investor. The seven-time world champion Formula 1 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

This is what he confirmed in mid-summer, when rumors of a takeover of the Gresini team emerged. While Lewis Hamilton will certainly not pay off KTM's debts, which are now estimated at several billion euros, Pit Beirer, a manager of the firm, has confirmed the latter's interest.

“The current situation allows for creativity and openness to new discussions, confides the director of Motorsport of KTM in an interview with the site speedweek. com. So we are not only open to sponsors, as was the case until now, but also to investors. At this point I have to rest a little. 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 this 4,2 billion, He continues. So it is clear that a huge value is seen for the MotoGP class, ultimately for all three classes. This has sparked the interest of investors, they have come to us and asked if they can invest in such a MotoGP project.

About Lewis Hamilton, he clarifies. "I can only say that we have had very interesting conversations with his management. It is no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about his own team. Here too there are concrete conversations."

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A conflict between Red Bull and Monster?

However, there are some constraints that undermine the potential agreement that Hamilton and KTM could find. 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 fact 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 topic 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 seen with Marc Marquez this year. The Spaniard, a Red Bull rider, had to leave the Red Bull to join Ducati, the Monster team.

KTM's Motorsports Director, however, points out 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 who give you money for such a big project, they get involved. That is also supposed to be positive. When strong partners sit at the table and think, good solutions are found together. So it is clear that such people will have a certain say.” concludes Pit Beirer.