Lewis Hamilton ‘makes immediate call to Liberty Media’ and considers HUGE…read more
Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of an 86% stake in MotoGP has sparked interest from several influential figures, including Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton. Following Liberty’s purchase of MotoGP earlier this year, Hamilton made an immediate call to Liberty Media expressing his interest in purchasing a team, as confirmed by Liberty Media’s CEO, Greg Maffei.
In April 2024, Liberty Media completed its takeover of MotoGP, with the series’ management retaining a 14% stake. This follows the media giant’s highly successful acquisition of Formula 1 in 2017 for £3.5 billion ($4.6 billion). Under Liberty’s stewardship, Formula 1 has grown into one of the world’s most popular sports, transforming drivers and team principals into global icons. This boom in popularity has led to substantial financial benefits for all 10 F1 teams, with their valuations rising significantly.
Given Liberty Media’s proven track record with Formula 1, it’s not surprising that their acquisition of MotoGP has generated significant interest from potential buyers, including Hamilton. Maffei commented on the immediate response from interested parties, stating, “When we announced [the acquisition], we had people call up and say, ‘I want to buy a team,’ including people like Lewis Hamilton.” Hamilton’s interest in MotoGP reflects his growing presence in the sports business world. The seven-time F1 world champion already holds a minority stake in the Denver Broncos NFL franchise, demonstrating his appetite for investment opportunities in major sports leagues.
Liberty Media’s vision for MotoGP aligns with their strategy for Formula 1, which has seen massive expansion in the U.S., with Grands Prix in Miami and Las Vegas added to the calendar in recent years. Maffei highlighted the potential for growth in MotoGP, particularly in the U.S., where the series currently only has one race in Austin. “I think there’s an opportunity to improve that,” Maffei said, suggesting the possibility of a second U.S. race to boost MotoGP’s presence in the American market.
The acquisition presents exciting possibilities for MotoGP, especially given its high-speed, adrenaline-filled racing format, which has the potential to captivate new audiences. Maffei emphasized the thrilling nature of MotoGP, saying, “I think MotoGP is an unbelievably exciting product… to see people driving motorcycles, 220 miles an hour six inches from each other, it’s wild, and the overtaking there is incredibly impressive.”
Hamilton’s interest in MotoGP comes at a time when he’s balancing his F1 career with business ventures and broader aspirations. His ownership stake in the Denver Broncos and his involvement in other commercial projects suggest he’s looking to extend his influence beyond Formula 1, and MotoGP could be a perfect fit for the British racing legend. With Liberty Media’s backing and Hamilton’s global brand, MotoGP could be poised for a significant boost in its global profile, particularly in markets like the U.S., where there’s room for growth.
As Hamilton navigates his future in motorsports, the chance to invest in MotoGP could provide a new and exciting chapter for him. Whether or not he ultimately makes the leap into team ownership, his interest highlights the growing appeal of MotoGP as a premier global racing series, and Liberty Media’s acquisition could mark the beginning of a new era for the sport.
