Austrian-owned KTM is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Factory workers are not getting paid, but now F1 star Lewis Hamilton is interested in the Moto GP team.
Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has expressed interest in buying KTM's Moto GP team, which is currently struggling with financial problems and facing potential bankruptcy.
KTM has a period of 90 days from the end of November to find a solution with creditors to avoid a liquidation of the company.
The motorcycle manufacturer has 265,000 motorcycles in stock and needs a capital injection of around 5.6 billion Danish kroner to continue operations. Amid the crisis, Hamilton has shown interest in investing in KTM's Moto GP team.
– I'm interested in MotoGP and would like to have a team there, Hamilton said after the last Formula 1 race in 2024. It was short in Abu Dhabi.
According to Austrian media, Hamilton is in talks with KTM about a potential takeover. KTM's sporting director, Pit Bierer, confirms that there are "very interesting discussions" with Hamilton's representatives.
KTM has had success in motorsport with teams in Moto GP, motocross and endurance racing. However, due to the company's financial situation and restrictions from an Austrian court, there is a risk that the 2025 season will have to be cancelled.
A potential rescue for KTM could come from Liberty Media, which owns the rights to Formula 1. Liberty Media is reportedly interested in buying Moto GP for 28 billion Danish kroner. A sale to Liberty Media would also give the teams – including KTM – a significant capital injection.
Although Hamilton has previously been linked with energy drink brand Monster Energy, while KTM is sponsored by Red Bull, this does not appear to be an obstacle to a potential deal, with KTM denying that this has caused any problems in the negotiations.
– I can only say that we have very interesting discussions with his people, KTM's sports director Pit Bierer tells Speedweek .
It is still unknown whether Hamilton will succeed in taking over KTM's Moto GP team, but his interest gives hope for the team's future and prevents a potential bankruptcy.
