Ever since Liberty Media acquired the rights to MotoGP from Dorna, there has been a widespread demand for joint events featuring both F1 and MotoGP. Such events could offer fans the opportunity to experience both forms of racing, potentially expanding their fan bases. Lewis Hamilton recently shared his thoughts on this development in a post by ‘Desi Racing Co.’ on X.
Lewis Hamilton says #F1 and #MotoGP joint event on same Weekend would be "EPIC"
“It's exciting because I love MotoGP. It would be epic if we can have them on the same weekend.”
“Maybe I could do a race in MotoGP and race a Formula 1 car on the same weekend – that would be… pic.twitter.com/4GToWwumGl— Desi Racing Co. (@DesiRacingco) April 14, 2024
“It’s exciting because I love MotoGP. It would be epic if we can have them on the same weekend.” “Maybe I could do a race in MotoGP and race a Formula 1 car on the same weekend – that would be really cool”, before adding that such a situation would be “impossible”.
The Ownership Connection of F1 and MotoGP
In April 2024, Monster Energy Liberty, which has held Formula 1’s commercial rights since 2017, made headlines by acquiring an 86% ownership stake in Dorna Sports and MotoGP. The deal, valued at a staggering €4.2 billion, solidified the bond between these two iconic racing series. Suddenly, the idea of shared events became more than just a fantasy—it became a tantalizing possibility.
Why Joint Events?
- Unprecedented Spectacle: Picture the grid lined up with both four-wheeled beasts and two-wheeled rockets. The cacophony of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the adrenaline-fueled anticipation would be nothing short of epic.
- Cross-Pollination of Fans: MotoGP enthusiasts would witness the raw power of Formula 1 cars, while F1 fans would marvel at the daring maneuvers of MotoGP riders. It’s a win-win situation for both fan bases.
- Global Appeal: Joint events could attract a broader audience, transcending traditional motorsport boundaries. Imagine the buzz in cities like Austin, where both categories already race.
Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna’s Sporting Director, has downplayed the likelihood of a joint F1/MotoGP extravaganza. He mentioned that while it’s not in the immediate plans, it’s also not entirely ruled out for the medium-term future. The challenge lies in combining two different fan bases, as F1 and MotoGP attract distinct audiences. Additionally, logistical issues related to sponsors and TV coverage make it a complex project.
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