How Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Formula 1 move could help him invest in KTM MotoGP team

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Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton has held talks over investing in the KTM MotoGP team. That’s according to motorsport director Pit Beirer.

KTM are facing a financial crisis that has plunged their MotoGP future into serious doubt. They have unpaid debts of around €3bn, or £2.5bn.

Based in Mattighofen, they are subject to Austrian law. That means they can undergo self-administration.

But they have been advised to consider withdrawing from MotoGP, allowing them to spend their competitive budget on repayments. In addition to their factory squad, KTM supply bikes to the Tech3 team.

Investment from Hamilton could, therefore, be vital. Speaking to SPEEDWEEK, Beirer said KTM had held ‘concrete’ talks with his management.

The 39-year-old is apparently interested in owning his own team in the premier class of motorcycle racing. Hamilton is the most successful F1 driver ever, with seven world championships, 105 wins and 104 pole positions.

The end of Lewis Hamilton’s Monster sponsorship smooths out potential KTM MotoGP deal

Red Bull are title sponsors of the KTM team, which in theory throws up an immediate obstacle. Hamilton has had a long-term association with Monster, a rival energy drinks brand.

However, Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari has led to a review of his personal sponsorship agreements. And according to Sport Business, he’s now set to split with Monster.

Beirer insisted that, while Red Bull and KTM were ‘inseparable’, Hamilton’s ties to Monster had not been an issue in early negotiations. But as he holds talks with Celsius, another company in that sphere, he can draw up a deal that better suits both his F1 and MotoGP interests.

Indeed, it’s possible that the Red Bull/Monster clash wasn’t an issue specifically because Hamilton was about to part ways with the American company. Monster are also long-term title sponsors of KTM’s MotoGP rivals Yamaha.

Why would Lewis Hamilton invest in the least appealing MotoGP team?

KTM would be an intriguing choice if Hamilton wishes to establish a MotoGP presence. They’re arguably the least appealing of all the factory squads.

They’ve yet to challenge for the title in the premier class, and their all-time stats are comparable to Aprilia. Even then, the Italians have just signed the reigning world champion Jorge Martin.

But perhaps that’s what makes them attractive to Hamilton. From a business point of view, their price may have plummeted given their current predicament, but the prospect of helping the team achieve long-term success may excite him too.