F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Excited for Change - 'I Could Race in MotoGP and Formula 1 in the Same Weekend'

Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, has recently acquired the commercial rights of MotoGP in a landmark deal. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton shares his enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting the growing value of the sport under Liberty's stewardship.

Key Takeaways

• Liberty Media has acquired the commercial rights to MotoGP, aiming to expand its reach and leverage its financial strength, with an 86% stake secured in a €4.2 billion deal.
• Lewis Hamilton, reflecting on the acquisition, praises Liberty Media's management of Formula 1 and expresses optimism about their handling of MotoGP, humorously suggesting the idea of racing in both MotoGP and Formula 1 in a single weekend.
• Executives from both Liberty Media and MotoGP express enthusiasm for the deal, highlighting the potential for global expansion and financial growth, enhancing both sports' appeal and market presence.

In a significant expansion of their sports management portfolio, Liberty Media, known for its ownership of Formula 1, has acquired the commercial rights of MotoGP. This strategic move, confirmed on April 16, 2023, in Austin, Texas, marks a pivotal shift in the landscape of global motorsports. The deal, valued at €4.2 billion, sees Liberty Media taking an 86% stake in the sport, with the remaining 14% retained by MotoGP management.

Lewis Hamilton, a household name in Formula 1 and a seven-time world champion, expressed his thoughts on this major development. Having tested with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi in the past, Hamilton holds a deep respect for the motorcycle racing series.

"I haven't thought about it much, but of course I have read the headlines," said Hamilton.

"I think Liberty Media has done a great job with Formula 1. The value has clearly increased since 2017, so I think they can do a great job with MotoGP as well," Hamilton added.

The concept of joint race weekends for Formula 1 and MotoGP has been floated, although it remains in the realm of speculation with no definitive plans yet. However, the mere possibility has stirred excitement among fans and stakeholders. Hamilton, known for his passion for motorsports, humorously toyed with the idea of competing in both series over a single weekend.

"It's exciting because I love MotoGP. It would be epic if we could organize a race on the same weekend," he mused. "Maybe I could race in MotoGP and Formula 1 in the same weekend! That would be really cool, but of course that's impossible."

The acquisition promises not only to enhance the global fanbase and reach of MotoGP but also to leverage its solid financial foundation and cash-generative capabilities. Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media, conveyed his enthusiasm for incorporating MotoGP into the company's roster of live sports.

"MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile," Maffei explained.

On the other side of the deal, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, which has managed MotoGP, praised the sport's evolution and expressed optimism about its future growth under Liberty Media's guidance.

"This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP, and we are excited for what this milestone brings to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock and racing fans," Ezpeleta stated.