Steiner Takes Helm of MotoGP Team, Eyes Title Challenge

Former Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner has officially taken charge as CEO and co-owner of the Red Bull KTM Tech3 MotoGP team. Acknowledging the steep learning curve of motorcycle racing, Steiner plans to spend his first six months observing and absorbing the nuances of the series before implementing any significant changes, with a long-term goal of building the independent outfit into a championship contender within three to five years.

Why it matters:

Steiner's high-profile move from four wheels to two marks a significant crossover in motorsport. His decades of F1 experience and no-nonsense management style could bring a fresh, competitive perspective to the MotoGP grid. However, his deliberate, patient approach signals a strategic respect for the established order, suggesting he understands that success in two-wheeled racing requires a different methodology than in Formula 1.

The details:

• A Six-Month Masterclass: Steiner has explicitly stated he will spend the first half of the year learning before "saying what needs to change," showing deep respect for the experienced MotoGP personnel and admitting, "I need to understand what MotoGP can use from me."
• Long-Term Vision: He estimates it will take three to five years to fully establish the team and "put our feet under the table" as a consistent front-runner in the highly competitive series.
• Key Advisor: Team founder Hervé Poncharal will remain on as a consultant, providing invaluable continuity and experience as Steiner navigates his new role.
• Belief in Independents: Steiner is motivated by the fact that an independent team can win, citing Marc Marquez's 2023 title with the satellite Gresini Ducati team as proof that the championship is open to non-factory outfits.
• Rider-Centric Sport: He notes that in MotoGP, "it’s much more down to the rider than the driver in Formula 1," a key difference he's quickly grasping as he adapts to the new racing environment.

What's next:

The immediate future for Steiner and Tech3 is a period of observation and integration. He will lean on Poncharal's expertise while immersing himself in the technical and cultural landscape of MotoGP. Once his learning phase is complete, the motorsport world will be watching to see how his F1-honed strategies translate to the two-wheeled world, especially as he aims to compete against talents like Marc Marquez, whom he aptly calls the "Max Verstappen of MotoGP."