Looking beyond Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton has hinted at a possible future move into MotoGP team ownership.expand_more The racing superstar has been busy diversifying his interests in recent years, co-owning the Denver Broncos and launching his tequila brand.
Fueled by reports in British media suggesting talks with Gresini Racing, a MotoGP team with the legendary Marc Marquez on board, Hamilton acknowledged his long-standing appreciation for the sport. “I’m a big fan of MotoGP and its growth potential,” Hamilton said at a press conference, “but I haven’t dived deep into it yet.”
Leaving the door open for future ventures, he added, “Anything is possible. I’m keen on expanding my ownership portfolio, having taken the first step with the Denver Broncos. Over the next decade, I expect to see more involvement in this area, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Beyond his dominance in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton harbors a passion for two-wheeled racing. This enthusiasm translates to his choice of transportation, as he’s been spotted arriving at F1 paddocks on his personalized MV Agusta Brutale Dragster RR LH44.
His love for motorbikes goes even deeper, with MV Agusta crafting a limited edition F4 LH44 model just for him, boasting impressive horsepower and exclusivity.
In a unique display of mutual respect, Hamilton and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi swapped rides in 2019. The historic test at the Ricardo Tomo circuit saw Rossi take the wheel of Hamilton’s championship-winning Mercedes, while Hamilton got a taste of piloting a Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP machine.
Though not a competitive event, Hamilton’s skills left a lasting impression on Rossi, solidifying his admiration for the F1 champion. A driver conquering both the four-wheeled world of Formula 1 and the two-wheeled thrill of MotoGP might seem like a fantasy today, but the racing world has seen a few champions achieve this remarkable feat.
John Surtees, a motorcycle legend, paved the way in 1960 by clinching his fourth 500cc title before seamlessly transitioning to F1 cars.
His immediate success, with a second-place finish in his debut F1 race, solidified his prowess behind the wheel. Surtees wasn’t alone in his pursuit of glory on both tracks. Mike Hailwood, another motorcycle champion, attempted the switch in 1963 but faced initial challenges.
Despite his motorcycle dominance, F1 points proved elusive during his first stint. He later returned to F1 with more triumph, scoring podium finishes. Johnny Cecotto became the final motorcycle champion to venture into F1 in 1983.
Despite this devastating loss, Gresini rider Sete Gibernau of Spain displayed immense courage, fighting for the championship title in both 2003 and 2004. Ultimately, he finished runner-up to Valentino Rossi on both occasions.
In 2021, the Gresini Racing family endured another heartbreaking loss as Fausto Gresini himself passed away due to COVID-19.
The reins of the team were then taken up by his wife, Nadia Padovani. In a moment of pure elation amidst the prior grief, Gresini Racing, with rider Enea Bastianini astride a Ducati machine, clinched victory at the 2022 Qatar Grand Prix. This triumph served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the team.
