How much Red Bull would have to pay for KTM in ‘dream scenario’ for MotoGP team

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KTM face a desperate situation to keep their doors open in MotoGP amid a severe financial crisis.

With the company reporting debts of around £2.5bn, the factory KTM team and satellite outfit Tech3 have uncertain futures in the premier class.

Nevertheless, KTM have vowed to continue racing in 2026 and beyond, with their two teams set to unveil their bikes for the 2025 season in around two weeks.

KTM bosses decided against a ‘radical’ approach for 2025, instead opting for an evolution of their 2024 challenger. The company’s financial situation may have a part to play in that decision.

While the Austrian manufacturer looks set to have bikes on the grid this year, whether they will be competitive is a big concern. KTM will be hoping to solve their ongoing woes as soon as possible.

Red Bull would have to pay £50-100 million to take over KTM

KTM’s financial problems come at a terrible time having signed four solid riders on factory contracts. Enea Bastianini agreed a ‘relatively small’ deal which will ease some of the pressure.

Pedro Acosta may already be regretting signing his contract amid the ongoing crisis. The 20-year-old will feel a lot better if the company is saved from self-administration.

KTM’s primary sponsor Red Bull have been linked with a takeover. The energy drinks company have a motorsport empire after they bought the Jaguar F1 team in 2005 for just £1.

But journalist Mat Oxley says Red Bull will not be ‘allowed’ to pay that to KTM. He claims that its creditors will want £50-100 million for the company.

“He [Acosta] says I want everything for next year, but most of all more traction and more calmness from the bike. Obviously what he really wants for next year, or this year, is a bike!” said Oxley via the Oxley Bom MotoGP podcast

“And yeah, fingers crossed that somehow, I mean the dream scenario is for Red Bull to buy the team.

“The Red Bull Formula 1 team was the Ford Jaguar team and they bought it off Ford for one dollar. A bit like when Ross Brawn bought the Honda team off Honda a couple of years later for a pound.

“But the problem is that KTM won’t be allowed to sell their team for a pound, because the creditors will be saying ‘No, what can we get for this?’ £50 million, £100 million?’

“Are Red Bull going to pay 50 million or 100 million to buy a MotoGP team? Maybe. The Red Bull turnover a year, is £9 billion.”

What have Red Bull said about taking over KTM?

Red Bull buying KTM would be the ‘dream scenario’ for the company. It would also make the most sense given they are already affiliated with their two MotoGP outfits.

However, Red Bull are not a ‘serious candidate’ for KTM. It is not known how long the company has to find an investor to save them.

Mercedes are potential saviours, with KTM motorsport director Pit Beirer already involved in meetings. It comes after reports that Lewis Hamilton’s deal is set to collapse after weeks of speculation.

KTM could even be saved by Liberty Media’s takeover falling through, as Dorna could, in theory, use the compensation fee to get them out of their financial woes.