With Liberty Media’s takeover of MotoGP, a crossover between the two-wheeled sport and Formula 1 is unsurprising and inevitable.
The American media company took over MotoGP in 2025, and are looking to have the same success with the sport that they have had in F1. Since 2017, they have skyrocketed F1’s global audience and revenue.
Already, Liberty have looked to incorporate their workings in F1 into MotoGP, such as proposing street circuits and even a joint-race weekend between the two sports.
Following Liberty’s takeover, MotoGP has seen a rise in interest from F1 stars and key figures. Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has taken over Tech3 in 2026, and plans to take over KTM in the future.
Multiple F1 drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, have admitted to being passionate fans of MotoGP. Red Bull star Max Verstappen also shares their support of the two-wheeled series.
Max Verstappen issues ‘insane’ verdict on MotoGP riders
Speaking via the Pirelli YouTube channel, the Dutchman was asked about his passions outside of F1. He named MotoGP and football as his biggest passions, and he describes his experience with riding mini bikes in his younger years.
“Well, MotoGP, because when I was a kid, in my off-season, I also used to race these little mini bikes,” said Verstappen. “So, yeah, I enjoyed that a lot as well.
“I think I realised I was a bit more talented on four wheels, but I still enjoyed it a lot. But at the same time also, you could hurt yourself quite badly. So, when I’m watching MotoGP, I’m quite aware of the danger.
“I mean, it’s going really, really fast on the straights. And I don’t know, I just find it insane to watch, like the bikes are a monster. The riders are insane, being so low to the ground, the way they’re leaning next to the bike.”
READ MORE: MotoGP boss predicts how F1 star Lewis Hamilton would perform in bike racing
Max Verstappen is still an avid fan of MotoGP, and has been linked with buying a team
Asked if he could lean on the mini bike the same way that MotoGP riders do, he added: “I would, but of course, not to the level of what these guys would do, but I enjoyed it and it was a big passion.
“I stuck to four wheels, luckily. I think that was a smart choice, but I try to watch it every time, every single weekend, if it’s practice, qualifying, the race.”
Verstappen is such a keen admirer of MotoGP that he was linked with buying a team in 2025. With Liberty’s takeover, manufacturers and satellite teams’ values are set to skyrocket, with many seeing an opportunity to invest.
Verstappen was linked with taking over a satellite team, with LCR and Trackhouse being the ones mentioned the most. No deal has materialised as of yet, but could happen in the distant future.
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