Two of the most successful and decorated champions in their respective motorsport disciplines—Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 and Marc Marquez in MotoGP—have both weighed in on the major acquisition of MotoGP by Liberty Media, sharing their contrasting opinions on what the move could mean for the sport’s future.
Following official approval from the European Commission, Liberty Media is now poised to finalize its acquisition of a majority stake in Dorna Sports, the company that holds the commercial rights to both MotoGP and the World Superbike Championship. This transaction will grant Liberty Media full control over the two premier motorcycle racing series, adding them to its portfolio alongside Formula 1, which it has owned since 2017.
This strategic consolidation will bring the world’s leading motorsport categories—Formula 1, MotoGP, and Superbike—under a single ownership group, creating significant opportunities for cross-promotion, commercial growth, and unified global media strategies.
Liberty Media’s initial goals for MotoGP are already becoming apparent, with a strong emphasis on expanding the series’ visibility and audience reach in key English-speaking markets, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, where the sport has historically had a more limited presence compared to Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton’s opinion
Speaking during Thursday’s media sessions at the Austrian Grand Prix, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton expressed strong support for Liberty Media’s move into MotoGP. He highlighted the transformation Formula 1 has undergone under Liberty’s leadership and voiced optimism that a similar evolution is now possible for top-tier motorcycle racing.
“I’m happy to hear that the acquisition is moving forward,” said Hamilton. “I think this is a fantastic development for MotoGP. You just have to look at where Formula 1 was when Liberty Media took over and where it is today—what they’ve accomplished in terms of modernizing our sport has been phenomenal, and I’m confident they’ll bring the same energy and innovation to MotoGP.”
Hamilton, who is an avid follower of motorcycle racing, also shared his admiration for the spectacle and bravery displayed by MotoGP riders.
“There’s a massive opportunity for MotoGP to be improved and modernized,” he continued. “Personally, I’m a huge fan of the championship. Without a doubt, it’s the sport I enjoy watching the most on television. What these riders manage to do on their bikes never ceases to amaze me—they’re incredible athletes.”
Marc Marquez offers a word of caution
Meanwhile, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, who currently competes in MotoGP, addressed the topic during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Assen. While not dismissing the benefits Liberty Media could bring, Marquez struck a more cautious tone, emphasizing that each sport must preserve its own identity and traditions.
“Every sport, in my opinion, has its own path,” said Marquez, speaking to Motorsport. “You can’t simply replicate the atmosphere of Formula 1 in MotoGP, and the same goes the other way around. They’re different worlds, and that uniqueness is something to protect.”
Marquez acknowledged Liberty Media’s strong track record in sports management but emphasized that any change should be carefully aligned with the needs and preferences of MotoGP’s dedicated fan base.
“You have to understand what fans want from your specific sport. That’s the most important thing. That said, Liberty Media has already done great things in other sports like Formula 1, and I do believe their arrival in MotoGP will be a positive step for the championship—as long as they respect what makes this sport special.”
With Liberty Media’s full acquisition nearing completion, the comments from Hamilton and Marquez reflect both the enthusiasm for potential growth and the importance of preserving the unique character of MotoGP as it embarks on this new chapter under American ownership.
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