Full Breakdown
Pierre Gasly Expands Horizons Beyond Formula One with MotoGP Investment
2/1/2026, 11:17:15 PM
Gasly's Entrepreneurial Ventures in Padel and MotoGP
Pierre Gasly, the Alpine Formula One driver, is diversifying his interests beyond racing by investing in padel and motorcycle racing. Recently, he attended the Hexagon Cup in Madrid, a significant padel tournament, where he expressed his passion for the sport and its business potential. Gasly stated, “I've always been a curious person... I want to discover other things and mix them with my passions.” His involvement in padel reflects a broader trend among athletes seeking to expand their careers and financial portfolios.
In addition to his ventures in padel, Gasly has made headlines by becoming a co-owner of the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team in MotoGP. This investment marks him as the first active Formula One driver to hold a stake in a MotoGP team, a significant crossover between the two motorsport disciplines.
Ownership Changes at KTM Tech3
The acquisition of the KTM Tech3 team was finalized by an investor group led by Günther Steiner, who will assume the role of CEO starting in the 2026 season. This group includes notable investors such as IKON Capital, Bolt Ventures, and Main Street Advisors, alongside Gasly. The new ownership aims to preserve the team's heritage while pursuing strategic growth, with an emphasis on expanding its international presence.
Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of MotoGP, remarked that the acquisition signifies a strong endorsement of MotoGP's growth trajectory. Gasly's involvement is expected to enhance the team's visibility and attract greater attention to MotoGP, particularly as the sport seeks to expand its audience in North America and Asia.
Gasly's Focus on Formula One
Despite his entrepreneurial pursuits, Gasly remains committed to his role in Formula One. He is preparing for the upcoming season amid significant regulatory changes, with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 6. Gasly emphasized, “My life is still Formula One, and my ultimate goal is to become a Formula One world champion.” He acknowledged that while opportunities in other racing series are appealing, his primary focus continues to be on achieving success in Formula One.
Criticism and Future Implications
While Gasly's investments have garnered attention, there are concerns regarding the potential distractions they may pose to his performance in Formula One. Critics argue that balancing multiple commitments could impact his focus on racing. However, Gasly maintains that his passion for motorsport drives his decisions, stating, “As long as there's an engine and wheels, it's something I feel connected to.”
The involvement of prominent figures from Formula One in MotoGP, including Gasly, could lead to increased media presence and new market opportunities for the motorcycle racing series. As the new ownership structure at KTM Tech3 unfolds, it remains to be seen how these changes will influence the team's performance and the broader MotoGP landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to discover other things and mix them with my passions," he added.” — Pierre Gasly, Alpine F1 Driver
- “The acquisition of a team by an investor group of this magnitude is a strong endorsement of MotoGP and the championship’s global growth trajectory.” — Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of MotoGP
- “We're talking about investments and other projects, but my life is still Formula One, and my ultimate goal is to become a Formula One world champion.” — Pierre Gasly, Alpine F1 Driver
Gasly's dual focus on Formula One and MotoGP represents a unique intersection of interests in the world of motorsport, potentially reshaping the landscape for both racing series.