KTM could soon have the same name as an F1 team thanks to Liberty Media’s MotoGP plan

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KTM’s future in MotoGP is facing huge uncertainty as they race to find potential investors.

After entering insolvency over the winter, Indian outfit Bajaj Auto saved the company with a takeover back in May. But despite this, the future of KTM beyond 2026 is unclear due to the new owners’ plans.

Bajaj want to cut KTM’s costs by 50%, including the motorsport division. Subsequently, CEO Gottfried Neumeister is searching for investors to help keep their MotoGP project going.

Key figures such as Lewis Hamilton were interested in KTM, but a deal never materialised. Neumeister hopes to secure a new investor by Christmas, with several parties allegedly in negotiations.

KTM could soon be known as ‘Red Bull’ thanks to Liberty Media’s new plan for MotoGP teams

However, the team’s identity could look very different come 2027, thanks to MotoGP’s new owners Liberty Media and their plans for the future.

Recently, LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello, who is also the president of the IRTA (International Road Racing Team Association), secured an agreement for MotoGP’s satellite teams. From 2027, there will be no distinction between them and the five manufacturers.

They will all be referred to as ‘teams’, and the new rules mean, in theory, that the satellite teams could build their own engines and chassis. It also means, as per a report from MOW, that a team ‘doesn’t necessarily bear the name of the manufacturer that built the engine’.

As a result, ‘KTM could soon become a link between racing’s past and its future’ and have a team that ‘directly bears the Red Bull name’. The Austrian energy drinks company, who are KTM’s main sponsors, could have their own MotoGP team, just as they do in Formula 1.

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

A Red Bull takeover of KTM could be on the cards

Red Bull have been heavily involved with KTM’s MotoGP operation, particularly in 2025 amid their desperate financial situation.

Red Bull’s F1 team helped Brad Binder with a fairing upgrade for the Valencia test. The South African left the session feeling positive about the bike.

Now, the sponsors could become even more involved in the team. Red Bull taking over KTM cannot be ruled out as the manufacturer searches for investors.

They were previously linked with buying the team, but pulled out their interest as Red Bull faced up to a £100m fee to complete the deal. The situation is not that different today, with Bajaj putting KTM up for sale for £88m.