Guenther Steiner Leads Acquisition of Tech3 MotoGP Team: A New Era Begins

MotoGP is set to welcome a major new figure into its paddock as Guenther Steiner, the charismatic and widely respected former Haas F1 Team Principal, spearheads the acquisition of Red Bull KTM Tech3. The move signals a fresh chapter for one of the sport’s longest-serving and most beloved teams.

Steiner, alongside project partner Richard Coleman, will take full ownership of the Tech3 outfit — including its Moto3 operations — with the transition set to take full effect from the 2026 season. Steiner will assume the role of CEO, while Coleman, a seasoned motorsport professional and founder of a leading sports management consultancy, will become Team Principal.

Longtime team founder and current boss Hervé Poncharal will remain at the helm through the 2025 campaign before transitioning into a consultant role, where he will continue to guide young talent and offer his extensive MotoGP experience.

A Legacy Handed Down

Founded in 1990, Tech3 has been a fixture in the MotoGP paddock for decades. The French team joined the premier class in 2001 after winning the 250cc title the year before and has since earned 38 podiums and two MotoGP Grand Prix victories. With its base in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France, and a close partnership with KTM, the team will retain both its name and its technical platform under the new leadership.

“This is a fantastic opportunity,” said Guenther Steiner. “Tech3 is a great team with a huge amount of potential and an impressive legacy. Hervé’s impact on both the team and MotoGP itself cannot be overstated. We’re honoured to take over and build on those foundations. Our goal is to maximise the potential of the team and the sport as it continues to grow — and bring MotoGP to new audiences.”

From F1 to MotoGP: Steiner’s Next Challenge

Steiner is best known for launching and leading the Haas F1 Team, becoming a cult figure in the sport for his direct leadership style and fiery passion — often showcased on the hit Netflix series Drive to Survive. His motorsport career spans four decades, including senior roles at Jaguar Racing and Red Bull Racing.

Richard Coleman brings over a decade of experience at world championship level, particularly in touring cars, and has worked closely with elite athletes through his consultancy work.

“We’re approaching this project with humility and ambition,” said Coleman. “We know the talent and expertise in the MotoGP paddock is world-class. We’re not here just to participate — we’re here to compete at every level, with a real passion for the sport. We want to connect with even more fans and help showcase the very best of MotoGP.”

A Fitting Farewell — and a Bright Future

Hervé Poncharal, the heart and soul of Tech3 for more than three decades, acknowledged that the transition marks both an end and a beginning.

“This is the end of an era, but also the beginning of an exciting one for all of us,” Poncharal said. “I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved — the wins, the podiums, and the legacy we’ve built with so many incredible people. When Guenther approached me, it felt like the right moment. I know he’ll lead the team with direction, ambition, and integrity — and a bit of that rock’n’roll spirit Tech3 was founded on.”

Backed by Strategic Investment

The acquisition is being funded by a group of investors led by IKON Capital, with the long-term vision of evolving Tech3 from a top-tier racing outfit into a fully-fledged sports franchise. Steiner’s arrival brings not only sporting pedigree but a strategic focus on expanding MotoGP’s global fanbase and commercial impact.

MotoGP Welcomes Its Newest Faces

Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna Sports, welcomed the news: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Guenther to MotoGP. We’re in a great moment of growth, and this new chapter for Tech3 will only build on that. Hervé’s contribution to the sport speaks for itself — and although he’ll remain involved, we want to thank him for everything he’s done. This is a win-win for the sport.”