Steiner invites F1 champion Lando Norris for a MotoGP test ride

Former Haas F1 boss Guenther Steiner has extended a playful invitation to newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris for a test ride on a MotoGP bike. The offer comes as Steiner prepares to lead the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team from 2026, leveraging Norris's well-known early passion for two-wheeled motorsport.

Why it matters:

The invitation highlights the crossover appeal between F1 and MotoGP, two pinnacles of motorsport. It also underscores Norris's authentic racing roots, which began on dirt bikes long before his F1 career, adding a personal dimension to the playful inter-series challenge. For Steiner, it's an early, attention-grabbing move as he transitions to a new leadership role in MotoGP.

The details:

• Steiner made the offer on The Red Flags Podcast, noting the KTM bike's papaya-orange color is similar to Norris's McLaren livery.
• He humorously acknowledged that McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown might not approve of his champion driver riding a MotoGP machine.
• Norris has publicly stated his first love in motorsport was on two wheels, with motocross and quad biking preceding his interest in Formula 1.
• The McLaren driver cited MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi as a childhood hero, reinforcing his genuine connection to motorcycle racing.

What's next:

It is unclear if Norris will accept the invitation, as such a test would likely require complex approvals from his F1 team and personal management due to the inherent risks. However, the public offer sets the stage for potential future crossover events or promotional activities between the stars of F1 and MotoGP, especially with a charismatic figure like Steiner now bridging the two paddocks.