Why Guenther Steiner’s proposed Tech3 takeover sends a ‘shiver down the spines’ of sponsors Red Bull

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Former Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner is plotting a takeover of Tech3. The French outfit’s future is uncertain amid the financial crisis at KTM.

The Austrian manufacturer entered into insolvency over the winter after reporting debts of up to £2bn. The desperate situation put their MotoGP project, and the company itself, in danger of going bust.

KTM have reiterated their commitment to MotoGP until 2026, with plans supposedly being in place for 2027 and the new regulations. Majority shareholders Bajaj Auto have stepped in and saved the manufacturer, but the team’s operation is set for major changes.

KTM could sell Tech3’s bikes and run with just the factory team from as early as 2026. Amid the uncertainty, Steiner is interested in purchasing Tech3, which would secure their spot on the grid until at least 2027.

Herve Poncharal says nothing is signed yet, expressing frustration over reports that suggested a deal had been agreed. Steiner is the favourite to buy Tech3, but KTM sponsors Red Bull would not be happy with the takeover.

Guenther Steiner’s takeover of Tech3 sends a ‘shiver down the spines’ of Red Bull executives due to previous falling outs

According to a report from GPOne, Red Bull are considering leaving KTM after almost three decades. The two parties have the ‘longest-running sponsorship partnership ever in motorsports’, but the energy drinks company seem set on parting ways at the end of their contract in 2025.

One ‘compelling reason’ for this is KTM’s financial problems, as Red Bull’s management faced ‘many unanswered questions’ before and after the insolvency proceedings, many of which the Austrian manufacturer ‘glossed over’.

Another factor is Steiner’s takeover of Tech3. The idea that he could be in the KTM garage sends a ‘shiver down the spines’ of Red Bull executives – the two parties do not have a great relationship.

Steiner fell out with Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz, who passed away in 2022, on two occasions. The 60-year-old was sacked as a designer for the Red Bull F1 team when the company purchased Jaguar in 2005.

Mateschitz then shut down the failed Red Bull NASCAR team, which was under Steiner’s leadership. The friction between the two would make for an uncomfortable relationship if Steiner took over Tech3, which could push Red Bull out of KTM.

READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy

Red Bull does not want to be ‘permanently beaten’ by rivals Monster in MotoGP

Another reason why Red Bull are reconsidering their sponsorship with KTM is due to the Austrian manufacturer’s lack of success in recent years.

As the GPOne report notes, KTM have not won a dry race since 2021, when Miguel Oliveira won in Catalunya. The Portuguese rider claimed the team’s latest win in 2022 at Buriram.

Red Bull do not want to be ‘permanently beaten’ by their rivals Monster in MotoGP. The likes of Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo have won championships while being backed by Monster, while Franco Morbidelli and Marco Bezzecchi have collected regular podiums and wins.

Furthermore, Ducati Lenovo’s long-term commitment to Monster is another factor in Red Bull deciding to leave KTM. The Borgo Panigale outfit are dominating MotoGP, and the Austrian outfit want to change that as they target a partnership with Honda.