Hamilton Swaps Ducati for KTM in Off-Season Dirt Bike Training
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his Ferrari debut, he's trading his Ducati for a KTM dirt bike. The seven-time champion is also reportedly exploring an investment in a MotoGP team.
Lewis Hamilton is shifting his off-season training regimen, trading his usual Ducati superbike for a KTM enduro bike to tackle muddy terrain. This change comes as the seven-time world champion prepares for his highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2026, signaling a focused approach to the physical demands ahead. Beyond his personal preparation, Hamilton's passion for two wheels extends to potential business ventures, with reports suggesting he's interested in acquiring a stake in a MotoGP team.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's choice of rigorous off-road training highlights his relentless commitment to peak physical condition ahead of a career-defining move to Ferrari. Furthermore, his reported interest in a MotoGP team, alongside other F1 figures like Max Verstappen, underscores the growing appeal and investment potential of motorcycle racing's premier class under Liberty Media's ownership.
The details:
- Training Shift: Hamilton was spotted on a KTM 250 EXC-F, a lightweight 103kg enduro bike designed for off-road conditions, a stark contrast to the Ducati superbikes he typically rides to F1 paddocks.
- Physical Demands: Enduro riding requires immense core strength and precise throttle control, directly beneficial to the physical rigors of driving a modern F1 car.
- MotoGP Ambitions: Sources indicate Hamilton is exploring a stake in a MotoGP team. This follows Liberty Media's acquisition of the series, which has boosted its commercial appeal and growth prospects, similar to its impact on F1.
- Growing Interest: He isn't alone. Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner recently led a consortium for the Tech3 KTM team, and Max Verstappen's manager confirmed the Dutchman's interest, though called a purchase "not a realistic goal" at the moment.
What's next:
While Hamilton's immediate focus is on integrating with Ferrari and preparing for the 2025 season, his potential move into MotoGP ownership could be a significant post-driving career step. The convergence of top-tier motorsport figures like Hamilton and Verstappen showing interest in MotoGP signals a potential new era of investment and crossover appeal for the championship.