Gasly Goes Two Wheels: F1 Star Invests in KTM Tech3 MotoGP

The worlds of Formula 1 and MotoGP have always shared mutual respect, but they rarely share business cards. That changed this week with a headline-grabbing announcement from the KTM Tech3 garage. Pierre Gasly, the French F1 race winner, is officially buying into the premier class of motorcycle racing.

Gasly has acquired a minority stake in the Tech3 team, joining an ownership group spearheaded by former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner. This isn’t just a celebrity throwing cash at a hobby; it signals a fascinating shift in how motorsport athletes manage their portfolios and how teams approach global marketing.

For fans of two wheels and four, this partnership raises plenty of questions. What does Gasly bring to the table besides money? What is Guenther Steiner’s long game? And does this mean we’ll see more crossover between the paddocks?

The Gasly-Steiner Connection

This partnership centers on the re-branded KTM Tech3 operation. Tech3 has long been a staple of the MotoGP grid, known for developing young talent as a satellite team. However, to compete in the modern era of racing, you need more than just fast bikes—you need visibility and capital.

Enter Guenther Steiner. The drive-to-survive star has been expanding his footprint in motorsport management since leaving the F1 paddock. By bringing Gasly into the fold, Steiner is executing a power move. He secures a high-profile ambassador who resonates with a younger, drive-to-survive generation of fans, while also injecting fresh investment into the team’s infrastructure.

The timing is deliberate. Announced just ahead of the new racing calendar, the deal ensures that Tech3 dominates the pre-season news cycle. Gasly will serve as both a financial backer and an active ambassador, leveraging his massive social media following to shine a spotlight on the MotoGP outfit.

Why an F1 Driver Wants a Piece of MotoGP

It’s very smart for athletes and drivers to invest in teams nowadays. The focus is still on F1 and the future of technology through Tech 3.

The “Netflix Effect” has turned F1 drivers into global superstars with commercial value that extends far beyond the track. MotoGP is currently working hard to capture that same lightning in a bottle. By attaching his name to Tech3, Gasly helps bridge the gap between the two fanbases. Don’t be surprised of Gasly is at selected MotoGP rounds, participating in co-branded content, and likely hosting VIPs from this point on.

Blurring the Lines Between Series

This deal is part of a wider trend where motorsport figures view racing as a portfolio business. We are seeing a move away from the siloed approach where F1, IndyCar, and MotoGP exist in separate bubbles.

Owners and executives are looking for synergies. If a hospitality partner works for Gasly in F1, they might now be introduced to Steiner for MotoGP. If a content team creates viral videos for Alpine, they might be contracted to help Tech3. The boundaries are becoming porous, driven by the need to engage audiences who consume sports content across multiple platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pierre Gasly going to race in MotoGP?

No. Pierre Gasly is keeping his helmet strictly for Formula 1. His role at KTM Tech3 is strictly as an investor and brand ambassador. He will not be riding the bike competitively.

Will the team change its name?

The core identity of the team remains KTM Tech3. The manufacturer relationship with KTM is unchanged. This investment is about ownership structure and commercial growth, not a team rebrand.

Is Guenther Steiner running the team?

Steiner leads the ownership group, meaning he steers the long-term vision and commercial strategy. However, day-to-day trackside operations will generally remain with the existing team management structure, though Steiner’s influence will certainly be felt.

A New Era for Tech3?

Pierre Gasly’s investment in KTM Tech3 is more than a financial transaction; it is a statement of intent. Under Guenther Steiner’s leadership, the team is looking to punch above its weight class, not just on the timing screens, but in the commercial market.

While success in motorsport is ultimately measured by podiums and points, the battle for attention is just as fierce. With an F1 star in their corner, Tech3 has just taken a massive lead in the race for relevance. Now, they just need to translate that buzz into results when the lights go out.