Marco Bezzecchi
Rumours that Max Verstappen could be interested in completing a takeover of a MotoGP team have arisen during the Catalan Grand Prix weekend.
Sky Sports Italy originally reported that the Dutchman might be interested in buying one of two satellite teams on the grid.
It helps that Formula 1’s owners, Liberty Media, are now also the owners of the two-wheeled discipline after completing a deal earlier this year. It’s hoped that they can vastly improve MotoGP’s audience.
Verstappen is out of the running for a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship this year, but he might not have given up on finding alternative avenues of excitement.
Fellow Formula 1 personality Guenther Steiner has taken over Tech3, and it’s clear that many see the potential in motorcycle racing currently.
Steiner says Tech3 remind him of Williams and they delivered a podium during his first race in attendance as their CEO at the Catalan Grand Prix, as Enea Bastianini reached the rostrum.
READ MORE: Why some MotoGP fans are despairing over Guenther Steiner’s takeover of the Tech3 team
Max Verstappen’s camp have revealed how ‘advanced’ talks are for MotoGP team takeover
Steiner secured one crucial ‘guarantee’ before completing his deal, which means that he will have two entries for the new regulations in 2027, no matter what.
It’s a safe way to future-proof his entry and make sure that there is enough time for his investment to come good.
According to The Race, Verstappen’s talks for a MotoGP move are not ‘advanced’ yet, and he is still sizing up whether to dip his toes in another discipline.
It also means that both LCR and Trackhouse have not been subject to any discussions yet, despite what has been indicated at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
It’s not the first time a multiple world champion has been interested in buying a MotoGP team, after Lewis Hamilton’s talks with Gresini failed.
READ MORE: Marc Marquez names the one big similarity between himself and Lewis Hamilton after Ducati move
How much money does Max Verstappen earn with Red Bull Racing in Formula 1?
Verstappen signed a mega Red Bull contract extension back in 2022, which sees him connected with them through 2028.
His estimated annual salary is around £55 million, which means he should have plenty of capital to make a move if he likes.
There was talk of him moving to German giants Mercedes for 2026, following a drop in performance from his current team.
However, it didn’t materialise, and with a new boss, he now seems slightly happier in his environment again.
He has expressed an interest in GT3 racing before, and has made no secret of his plans to retire early. Perhaps he’s looking at being more involved in management after Formula 1, with a potential move to MotoGP.
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