Guenther Steiner says Tech3 MotoGP team remind him of nine-time Formula 1 champions

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Guenther Steiner has completed his takeover of the Tech3 MotoGP team. He’s the face of a consortium who have purchased the team from Herve Poncharal.

From 2026, Steiner will be the CEO, with Richard Coleman assuming the position of team principal. Poncharal will still be involved as a consultant.

Tech3 entered the Catalan Grand Prix weekend seventh in the world championship. They rank second among MotoGP’s satellite teams, only behind the Ducati-backed VR46.

Enea Bastianini finished on the podium in the Czech Grand Prix Sprint shortly before the summer break. Tech3 have been aligned with KTM since they split with Yamaha at the end of 2018.

Guenther Steiner compares Tech3 to Williams after takeover deal

Tech3 have been ever-present in MotoGP, winning six races and bagging 12 pole positions. Their next podium finish will be their 50th.

In the Grand Prix era, their best seasons were 2012 and 2013, when Andrea Dovizioso, Cal Crutchlow and Bradley Smith took them to third in the championship.

While they’ve never won a title, Steiner compared them to nine-time F1 constructors’ champions Williams. The British team enjoyed huge success in the 1980s and ’90s, but haven’t lifted the trophy in the 21st century.

Williams are aiming to win races during F1’s next rule set, powered by a Mercedes engine. Steiner is also determined to take Tech3 ‘to the top’.

“It’s a front-running customer team,” said Steiner on the Red Flags podcast. “They were always there. I think it’s now one of the oldest, if not the oldest, private team. They’re like Williams.

“That’s the aim, to take it forward, to take it to the top. They’ve got all the potential. It’s a good team, there’s good people there. So why not?”

Guenther Steiner already has a tense relationship with Tech3’s key sponsors

Steiner became a celebrity in Formula 1 as the boss of the Haas team. That in itself will raise the profile of Tech3 and potentially attract commercial interest.

Liberty Media could commission a documentary following Steiner in an attempt to bring fans across from F1.

Steiner has a fractious relationship with Red Bull, who are currently the title sponsors of the team, after a spell with their F1 operation. The energy drinks company have just extended their deal with KTM.

Bastianini and Maverick Vinales are under contract until the end of 2026. Steiner has stressed the importance of continuity as he learns about MotoGP.