KTM could be set for an exit from MotoGP and its support classes in 2026 amid the ongoing financial problems for the Austrian manufacturer.
The first rumours of a potential exit came following a report by Alpenlandischer Kreditorenverband (AKV) was published in mid-December after a meeting between KTM and its creditors.
The initial report stated that “in order to reduce costs, the exit from MotoGP, Moto3/Moto2 is planned”.
It has now been reported by Austrian newspaper Der Standard that KTM “wants to say goodbye to motorsport” in 2026, which is when the manufacturer’s contract with Dorna is set to end.
While KTM released a statement announcing its commitment to the 2025 MotoGP season, there had been no further comments about the future of its racing programme.
Der Standard also revealed that KTM’s management expects “significant PR damage” if it quits its racing programme before this timeframe.
Brad Binder is the only KTM rider who is contracted until the 2026 season, while Pedro Acosta, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales are all on ‘multi-year’ deals.
Analysis from the Boston Consulting Group suggests KTM’s future will be secure and notes that it could make an annual saving of €46 million by ending its grand prix programme.
In a report from the first creditors’ hearing, it was also revealed that several parties have shown interest in investing a combined €700 million into the struggling company.
These investment plans are set to be voted on by KTM’s creditors in February.
Lewis Hamilton – a potential investor into KTM’s MotoGP programme?
According to KTM boss Pit Beirer, the Austrian manufacturer has held extensive talks with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton about a potential investment into the brand.
This isn’t the first time that Hamilton has been rumoured to become involved in a MotoGP team, with reports that he was looking to buy into the Gresini Ducati team earlier this year.
Liberty Media bosses also confirmed that the Ferrari-bound driver was looking to become involved in MotoGP under the company’s ownership.
KTM insists that the company remains of interest to investors due to Liberty Media’s scheduled takeover of MotoGP, which remains subject to regulatory approval.
In an interview with Speedweek, Beirer said that there had been “concrete talks” with Hamilton’s management.
“I can only say that we had very interesting discussions with his management,” Beirer told Speedweek.
“It’s no secret that Lewis Hamilton is interested in MotoGP and is thinking about his own team.
“Here, too, there are concrete talks.”
