Guenther Steiner shifts gears to MotoGP as Tech3 co-owner
Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 boss, has moved into MotoGP as co-owner of the Tech3 KTM satellite team. He aims to help the squad improve its consistency, bringing his high-profile experience from Formula 1 to the two-wheeled paddock as he starts a new challenge.
Former Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner has officially begun a new chapter in motorsport, taking on a co-ownership role with the Tech3 MotoGP satellite team. The charismatic figure, known for his direct approach in Formula 1, is now navigating the two-wheeled world, aiming to apply his experience to help the KTM-backed squad achieve greater consistency.
Why it matters:
Steiner's move represents a rare high-profile crossover from Formula 1 to MotoGP team management. His transition tests whether the leadership and commercial acumen honed in F1's ultra-structured environment can translate to success in the distinct culture and technical challenges of premier class motorcycle racing. For Tech3, gaining an owner with global recognition and a proven track record in building a team's profile could provide a significant boost beyond the track.
The details:
- Steiner was formally introduced in his new role at the MotoGP season launch event in Kuala Lumpur, appearing in KTM orange and adopting a characteristically humble yet humorous tone as the "rookie."
- He acknowledged the learning curve, stating his goal is to "learn quick" and that the riders and mechanics would be giving him a hard time instead of the other way around.
- The Tech3 team is coming off a 2025 season with flashes of speed from riders Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini, but was hampered by inconsistency and engineering hurdles.
- Steiner's initial approach appears hands-off regarding on-track matters, joking that he doesn't need to tell the riders not to crash the bikes at a launch event, trusting the existing team structure for those directives.
What's next:
The real test begins as the 2026 MotoGP season gets underway. The focus will be on how Steiner's management style and external perspective influence Tech3's operational consistency and development trajectory. While his primary value may initially be in commercial and organizational areas, his ultimate success will be measured by the team's ability to convert its potential into regular podium challenges and close the gap to the factory teams.