Lewis Hamilton may be purchasing a MotoGP team
F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, is no stranger to the world of motorcycles. In 2017, a collaboration between him and MV Agusta produced the ultra-limited edition F4 LH44 superbike. Then, in 2019, Monster Energy had Hamilton switch his Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Formula One championship car for Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP superbike as the two racing greats did a few laps in Valencia.
“I have always loved bikes. When I was younger, I wanted to race bikes, not cars, but my dad wouldn't let me - he said they were too dangerous!” said Hamilton during the RossiXHamilton track day.
Rossi lauded Hamilton's riding skills on the track, he even went on to say that Hamilton was a brilliant rider.
“Valencia is a hard track and today was windy so at one point I thought it would be difficult for Lewis to continue, but he was brilliant on the bike and his position on the M1 was great. I think he had loads of fun, which is the main thing.”
Fast-forward to 2024, the 39-year-old F1 driver seems willing to dip more than just his toe into the motorcycle world as he might be purchasing a MotoGP team.
Just recently, during the Dutch TT weekend in Assen, Gresini Racing owner Nadia Padovani has reportedly been in talks with Hamilton. It was also reported by several insiders that Hamilton “has a strong interest” in purchasing the team. Padovani is the widow of team founder Fausto Gresini.
However, Hamilton himself has set the record straight and said that buying a MotoGP team is not yet in the pipeline, but anything is possible.
“I’ve always loved MotoGP… I am interested in the potential growth of the sport. But I haven’t looked that far into it yet. But anything is possible,” said Hamilton in a recent encounter with Crash.Net correspondents at Silverstone.
It is also worth noting that Liberty Media – the current owner of Formula One Group – is set to acquire 86% of Dorna Sports (MotoGP) by the end of 2024, pending regulatory approval. The acquisition of Dorna Sports was valued at USD 4.5 billion.
With his excellent marketability, Hamilton may pump in fresh sponsors to Gresini Racing, should he choose to purchase the team, which could cross on both 2-wheel and 4-wheel fans across the globe.
