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Pierre Gasly sets F1 driver first with Guenther Steiner partnership
racingnews365.com·

Pierre Gasly sets F1 driver first with Guenther Steiner partnership

Pierre Gasly has become the first active F1 driver to invest in a MotoGP team, forming part of an investor group behind Guenther Steiner's Red Bull KTM Tech3 team. At the start of this year, former Haas team principal Steiner became CEO of Tech 3 as he switched from four wheels to two, joining forces with Richard Coleman, a touring car veteran and sports management specialist, who has become team principal. Along with IKON Capital, Steiner and Coleman completed a takeover of Tech3, which has today announced its full ownership structure. Bolt Ventures and Main Street Advisors have now bolstered the acquisition. In addition, Alpine driver Gasly is among a range of names in the investor group. He said: "I have a strong conviction in the strength of the Tech3 brand and the long-term growth of the MotoGP sport. "Tech3 has significant untapped potential, and I look forward to contributing to further elevating the team’s profile." Gasly has beaten the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to the punch in terms of MotoGP investment, as both drivers have been linked with a move in the past. It is not Gasly's first venture into sports investment. Two years ago, he became a joint shareholder of third-tier French football club, FC Versailles. The overall investment in Tech3 is significant, as outlined by Steiner. "It’s a very exciting time to be entering MotoGP, and it was important to IKON Capital and me to bring together a group of like-minded investors who share a long-term vision for the Tech3 team," he said. "We are joined by a strong group that understands motorsport, brings genuine value-added capabilities, and shares our core values. "Just as importantly, we are committed to preserving Tech3’s heritage while taking a measured, strategic approach to growth. This is about building on what already works, and I’m looking forward to working together to shape the team’s future." Bolt Ventures is fronted by David Blitzer, a managing partner of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and NHL's New Jersey Devils, whilst Main Street Advisors was founded by Paul Wachter, who is also a partner at Fenway Sports Group, whose ownership portfolio includes English Premier League side Liverpool and MLB's Boston Red Sox.

Alpine F1 2026 livery - hit or miss?
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Alpine F1 2026 livery - hit or miss?

Alpine has joined the throng of teams this week to take the wraps off its F1 2026 challenger. In the wake of Haas, Audi, Mercedes, and Ferrari all unveiling their latest machinery, Alpine chose the unusual surroundings of a cruise liner off the coast of Barcelona to reveal its A526. Team boss Flavio Briatore said there can be "no excuses" this season following the demise of last year, which saw the team finish bottom of the constructors' championship. Housed within the A526 is a power unit from Mercedes following the team's shock decision to end its long-standing partnership with Renault in pursuit of a change of fortunes, given its slump in 2025. Drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto pulled the wraps off a distinctive livery, dominated by a metallic blue, with accents of pink , the latter given its title partnership with BWT.  But what do you think of the livery? Vote in our poll below, and make sure to leave a comment.

Alpine reveal 'duty' for 2026 F1 season for 'hungry' Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto
racingnews365.com·

Alpine reveal 'duty' for 2026 F1 season for 'hungry' Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto

Flavio Briatore has declared there to be "a real hunger" in the eyes of Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto ahead of the upcoming new F1 season. On the day the team launched its 2026 challenger, the A526, team boss Briatore made clear it is now "the duty" of everyone in the team to provide the duo with a car worthy of their talent for the new regulatory era. Last season proved to be a difficult one for Alpine as it finished bottom of the constructors' championship, whilst it also axed Jack Doohan after just six grands prix and brought in reserve Colapinto, although the Argentinian driver failed to score a point. For this season, the team has switched to Mercedes power after ending its long-standing alliance with Renault, which could prove to be a vital step in forging its way up the grid if the German manufacturing giant again delivers a front-running system. That was the case in 2014 when Mercedes dominated F1 following the introduction of the 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrid PUs. For this year, the MGU-H has been ditched, and the MGU-K beefed up to run at 350kW from its previous output of 120kW. Describing the upcoming year as "a unique season in Formula 1 history", Briatore added that the "clean sheet of paper" provides "a great opportunity for us to be more competitive than previous campaigns". He said: “It has been a relentless few months at the Enstone factory in preparation for the season, designing and creating the A526, together with Mercedes-AMG, who will supply the new power unit and gearbox from this season; a partnership we are very much excited about. “It is quite rare to see such changes in our sport and ones which have the potential to shake up the competitive order. We are taking it step by step. We do not know where we will rank at race one, let alone the final race. “Development will be crucial, and learning and understanding how best to maximise the package at each circuit will make a big difference to our success. We know this is a long journey and one we look forward to taking on. “Pierre and Franco have a real hunger in their eyes. Last year was not easy for anyone, not least for them, and it is our duty to provide them with the car which will allow them to showcase their talent in the most competitive positions."