The ongoing contract saga between Maverick Vinales and KTM has sparked intense interest in the MotoGP world, with Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner taking a hands-off approach. Steiner, who has been at the helm of Tech3 since his consortium took over the team this year, insists he is 'happily staying out' of the dispute, emphasizing that it is a matter strictly between Vinales and KTM.
Steiner's stance is particularly intriguing given his history with Vinales. As the former Haas Formula 1 team boss, he has never been shy about expressing his opinions, but in this case, he is choosing to remain silent. He believes that Vinales' public criticism of KTM's handling of his contract situation is not constructive and could potentially damage the relationship between the rider and the manufacturer.
The situation has taken a turn for the worse, with Vinales' chances of staying in MotoGP next year all but over. KTM's decision to snub him from the first official 850cc test at Brno last month was a significant blow, and Vinales has since conceded that his future in the sport is uncertain. Steiner acknowledges that the relationship between Vinales and KTM may now be beyond repair, stating, 'It's very difficult to fix that situation because it is not a good situation.'
Steiner's decision to keep a low profile in this matter is a strategic one. He recognizes that Tech3's future is closely tied to its relationship with KTM, and he wants to ensure that the team's interests are protected. By staying out of the fray, he can maintain a positive working relationship with KTM and focus on the team's performance.
The Tech3 CEO also revealed that the team will directly hire its riders for 2027, giving them greater control over their line-up. This move is a significant shift from the past, where contracts were all in place when the consortium took over the team. Steiner believes that this change will allow Tech3 to make more informed decisions and build a stronger team.
In terms of rider recruitment, Steiner has been meeting with several potential candidates, including Luca Marini, who has earned a strong reputation at HRC for his technical know-how. However, he has not yet made a final decision, stating, 'We have not made the final decision, just to be clear about that one, what we are going to do.'
Steiner's approach to the Vinales-KTM contract saga is a testament to his strategic thinking and commitment to the team's success. By staying out of the public eye and focusing on the team's performance, he is ensuring that Tech3 remains a competitive force in MotoGP.
