In a significant development for the world of motorsport, a consortium of high-profile investors has been revealed behind the recent takeover of MotoGP team Tech3. The group is spearheaded by former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner, who has been installed as CEO, and includes Crystal Palace co-owner David Blitzer and current Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly.
A Star-Studded Investor Consortium Emerges
The buyout, which was formally announced four months ago, initially saw London-based Ikon Capital as the lead investor. They have since been joined by several notable figures from the worlds of sport and business. David Blitzer, through his Bolt Ventures vehicle, and Main Street Advisors—a firm with close connections to NBA legend LeBron James and his business partner Maverick Carter—have come on board.
Blitzer is a renowned multi-sport tycoon, holding an 18 per cent stake in Premier League football club Crystal Palace. His portfolio extends across the Atlantic, with investments in franchises across all five major US sports leagues: the NFL's Washington Commanders, the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, MLB's Cleveland Guardians, the NHL's New Jersey Devils, and MLS side Real Salt Lake.
Gasly Makes Historic MotoGP Investment
Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Pierre Gasly, the French Formula 1 driver for Alpine. Gasly has invested through Slam, a European private equity fund focused on sports, luxury, art, and music. This move marks a historic first, making Gasly the only currently active Formula 1 driver to hold a stake in a MotoGP team.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in Tech3 alongside Slam Fund," said Gasly. "I have a strong conviction in the strength of the Tech3 brand and the long-term growth of the MotoGP sport. Tech3 has significant untapped potential, and I look forward to contributing to further elevating the team's profile."
Steiner Highlights Strategic Value of Investors
The takeover occurs against the backdrop of Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP last year in a deal valued at over £3 billion. Guenther Steiner, who gained widespread popularity through Netflix's Formula 1 docuseries Drive to Survive, emphasised the strategic nature of the investor group.
"It's a very exciting time to be entering MotoGP, and it was important to Ikon Capital and me to bring together a group of like-minded investors who share a long-term vision for the Tech3 team," Steiner stated. "We are joined by a strong group that understands motorsport, brings genuine value-added capabilities, and shares our core values."
He further clarified the team's philosophy moving forward: "Just as importantly, we are committed to preserving Tech3's heritage while taking a measured, strategic approach to growth. This is about building on what already works, and I'm looking forward to working together to shape the team's future."
The French-based Tech3 team competes in both the premier MotoGP class and the Moto3 category. This influx of capital and high-profile sporting expertise from figures like Blitzer and Gasly signals ambitious plans for the team's development within the newly Liberty Media-owned championship.
