F1 x MotoGP crossover coming?

Hey friends,

Writing this in between qualifying and the race later on tonight (well, I guess it’s technically tomorrow morning on the east coast here 🤷🏻‍♂️)

The buzz last week was around Liberty Media’s purchase of MotoGP, and it’s big news for both Formula 1 fans and MotoGP lovers alike.

Today’s letter we’ll talk a little bit more about that deal and what it means for the future of both series.

Until next time 🏎️

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F1 and MotoGP Double Header a Real Possibility

Liberty Media, the powerhouse behind Formula 1's American resurgence and commercial success announced last week that they acquired an 86% stake in Dorna Sports, the organization behind MotoGP, in a jaw-dropping $4.2 billion deal.

And what’s the first thing on everyone's mind?

The possibility of F1 cars and MotoGP bikes tearing up the same track on the same weekend.

Not at the same time though, that would be madness.

Opportunities Abound

One of the obvious opportunities for Liberty come in the form of sponsorship. MotoGP sponsors are dominated by European brands, while Formula 1 is now a nearly 50/50 split with the United States dominating the number of partners in the series. For reference, Italy leads all MotoGP sponsor countries with 4x the amount of partners as the next closest country, Japan.

MotoGP is set to race at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas on 14 April. The involvement of Trackhouse Racing, now owning the former RNF Aprilia squad, marks a significant U.S. representation within the sport. Trackhouse is known for bold moves in motorsport, lead by Justin Marks. They’re the masterminds behind Project 91 — bringing both Kimi Raikkonen and Shane van Gisbergen to NASCAR.

Market Strategy

MotoGP is a much smaller business than F1. It generated just $523 million in revenue in 2023, but considering it hosts a similar number of races each year, there is likely significant room for upside

The buzz around a joint event is unavoidable.

Carlos Ezpeleta of Dorna Sports hinted at the potential, though he's playing it cool for now. The challenges? Not insignificant. Different fan bases, logistical nightmares, and the big question of ROI are just the start.

But let’s focus on the positives.

The U.S. market offers cultural and economic benefits for MotoGP, further supported by Liberty Media. The time zone alignment with Europe is favorable for broadcasting races during European afternoon times, enhancing viewer engagement.

Formula 1 has expanded its U.S. presence with races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, alongside races in Mexico and Canada. MotoGP, however, focuses on its single U.S. race in Austin, following the cancellation of the Argentina GP, leaving a gap that can be filled.

One thing that won’t be happening, according to Liberty CEO Greg Maffei, is selling the F1 and MotoGP rights together.

"One thing we will not be doing is negotiating MotoGP and Formula 1 together,” Maffei said.

“Both because of the regulatory issues, and because of the structure of our deal with our F1 partners.

"So that's a non-starter.”

The Good News

Since taking over F1 in 2017, Liberty Media has revolutionized how the sport engages with its audience, notably through targeted social media campaigns and the Netflix series Drive to Survive. These initiatives expanded F1's fan base while rejuvenating its demographic profile, enhancing its appeal to sponsors and advertisers.

MotoGP's attempt to replicate this success with its own documentary series fell short, indicating the challenge of captivating a global audience without the right storytelling and marketing strategies. Liberty Media's experience in this arena could be a game-changer for MotoGP, promising to elevate its profile and commercial performance to new heights.

Under Dorna's stewardship since the 1990s, MotoGP has seen significant technical and regulatory innovations, from transitioning to four-stroke engines to introducing rules that democratized competition.

The integration of Liberty Media's expertise in fan engagement and commercialization with MotoGP's rich competitive landscape and Dorna's leadership bodes well for the future of motorsports.

As the lines between sports and entertainment continue to blur, this partnership could redefine motorsport as a spectacle, enhancing its appeal and accessibility to a broader audience. The potential for Liberty to apply its successful F1 formula to MotoGP, while respecting the unique characteristics that make bike racing thrilling, could usher in a new era of motorsport entertainment.

Can you imagine Lewis Hamilton swapping his F1 car for a MotoGP bike at the British Grand Prix? Or Marc Marquez and Fabio Quartaro hopping in an F1 car for an “all-star” exhibition?

The possibilities are endless, but only time will tell if Liberty Media can connect the right dots.

Invest before this company becomes a household name

What if you had the opportunity to invest in the biggest electronics products before they launched into big box retail, would you?

Ring changed doorbells and Nest changed thermostats. Early investors in these companies earned massive returns, but the opportunity to invest was limited to a select, wealthy few. Not anymore. RYSE has just launched in 100+ Best Buy stores, and you're in luck — you can still invest at only $1.50/share before their name becomes known nationwide.

They have patented the only mass market shade automation device, and their exclusive deal with Best Buy resembles that which led Ring and Nest to their billion-dollar buyouts.

Learn how you can become a shareholder.

An Experience You Won’t Want to Miss

I’m excited about this one, not just for obvious reasons, but because it’s one of those collaborations that offers an upscale experience without forgetting to pay homage to the series’ history.

The Legends Lounge | Schumacher sets out to celebrate the legend himself and his illustrious Formula One legacy. The lounge commemorates 30 years since his first championship win.

You’ll dive into an exclusive showcase featuring rare artifacts, Schumacher's iconic cars, and special guest appearances. Experience the extraordinary with behind-the-scenes insights into Michael's unparalleled career and the resilience that made him a legend.

You’ll also have the opportunity to attend "An Evening for Michael," a unique dining experience with F1 legends, sharing untold stories and auctioning precious memorabilia to benefit the Keep Fighting Foundation.

Read the official press release here.

Invest before this company becomes a household name

What if you had the opportunity to invest in the biggest electronics products before they launched into big box retail, would you?

Ring changed doorbells and Nest changed thermostats. Early investors in these companies earned massive returns, but the opportunity to invest was limited to a select, wealthy few. Not anymore. RYSE has just launched in 100+ Best Buy stores, and you're in luck — you can still invest at only $1.50/share before their name becomes known nationwide.

They have patented the only mass market shade automation device, and their exclusive deal with Best Buy resembles that which led Ring and Nest to their billion-dollar buyouts.

Learn how you can become a shareholder.