Guenther Steiner Sets Sights on MotoGP with Tech3 Acquisition
Guenther Steiner—the no-nonsense, fan-favorite motorsport figure—has officially entered the MotoGP paddock. The former Haas F1 Team Principal and Netflix “Drive to Survive” breakout star is leading a consortium to acquire Red Bull KTM Tech3, one of MotoGP’s most storied teams. This marks a seismic shift in the dynamics of MotoGP’s future, blending big-league racing pedigree with new-age entertainment savvy.
Set to take full effect in 2026, the acquisition hands full ownership of both the MotoGP and Moto3 teams to Steiner’s group. Alongside Steiner, Richard Coleman—founder of Mayfield Sports Management—will serve as Team Principal. The legendary Hervé Poncharal, who founded Tech3 back in 1990 and steered it through 38 podiums and two Grand Prix wins, will remain at the helm for the 2025 season before transitioning into a consultant role.
What makes Guenther Steiner’s arrival so compelling is not just his 40-plus years of motorsport experience, but the sheer cultural weight he brings with him. From rally to Formula 1 to NASCAR, Steiner’s blunt, brutally honest leadership style—and meme-worthy charisma—have built him a fan base that transcends motorsport silos. Now, his passion for MotoGP has materialized in a serious business move, positioning him not just as a team boss but a stakeholder in the sport’s long-term growth.
Guenther Steiner’s Vision: From Race Team to Racing Franchise
For Guenther Steiner, the Tech3 acquisition is a transformative mission. Having spent the past two years evaluating opportunities in the paddock, Steiner sees MotoGP not only as a top-tier motorsport platform but as a global entertainment property with untapped potential. “This is a fantastic opportunity,” Steiner said. “Tech3 is a great team with a huge amount of potential and an impressive legacy. Hervé’s impact on the team and MotoGP itself cannot be overstated, and we’re honored to take over and keep building on those foundations.”
Tech3 will retain its French base in Bormes-les-Mimosas and continue to race KTM machinery. The goal, Steiner explains, is to evolve Tech3 from a competitive team into a lifestyle franchise that can engage fans at every touchpoint—on the track, online, and beyond. This aligns seamlessly with MotoGP’s recent growth and entertainment-focused strategy.
Backing the move is IKON Capital, an investment firm specializing in sports, media, and entertainment. Led by Damien O’Donohoe and Markus Gloël—veterans of Sixth Street Partners, Live Nation, and the San Francisco 49ers—the group provides the financial firepower and strategic insight needed to turn vision into reality.
Richard Coleman echoed Steiner’s ambition, noting that “we’re here to compete, not just participate, on every level, with a real passion for the sport.” With Coleman’s track record in world touring cars, endurance racing, and talent management, Tech3’s leadership is now uniquely positioned to blend sporting excellence with global reach.
Guenther Steiner Ushers in a New Era for Tech3 and MotoGP
Hervé Poncharal, ever the class act, acknowledged the gravity of this passing of the torch. “This is the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting one. When Guenther approached me, it seemed to fall into place as the perfect moment to make this change. I know that Guenther will lead the team with direction, ambition, and integrity—not forgetting that little bit of rock’n’roll spirit it was founded on.”
That spirit—equal parts grit, passion, and personality—is what Guenther Steiner brings in spades. His no-BS leadership style has long earned respect in the paddock, and his move to MotoGP signals a serious commitment to pushing boundaries, innovating fan engagement, and raising the bar for what a team can be in today’s sport-entertainment landscape.
As MotoGP’s Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta noted, “We’re in a great moment for the sport, and this is an exciting win-win. Tech3’s legacy speaks for itself, as does Hervé’s contribution to the sport. Guenther and Richard bring fresh energy, and we’re excited to work all together.”
The 2026 season may seem far off, but with Guenther Steiner involved, expect the rumble to start much sooner. This isn’t just a team acquisition—it’s a cultural crossover with high stakes, high horsepower, and a whole lot of personality. And if Steiner’s record holds true, there will be no shortage of fireworks on and off the track.
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