Lando Norris Offered MotoGP Test by Tech3: A Dream Opportunity for the F1 Champion

This unexpected crossover between F1 and MotoGP has sparked excitement among fans and raised questions about the logistics and implications of such a high-profile test.

The Invitation: From F1 to MotoGP

During a recent appearance on the The Red Flags podcast, Guenther Steiner publicly extended the invitation to Norris. The new Tech3 owner didn’t mince words about his desire to see the McLaren star on two wheels.

« He can come and ride it; we will find a way to arrange it. It would be something nice for him, although I don’t know if Zak Brown would be happy to see him ride a MotoGP bike. »

Steiner’s offer is more than just a casual remark—he has expressed his intention to discuss the details with Norris’s father during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, indicating serious interest in facilitating the test.

Why Lando Norris?

Norris is no stranger to the world of two-wheeled racing. A self-proclaimed MotoGP fan since childhood, he has frequently cited Valentino Rossi as his idol and has been a regular visitor to MotoGP paddocks, most recently appearing at the 2025 San Marino Grand Prix as a guest of Rossi’s VR46 team.

His passion for motorcycles is well-documented, with a background in motocross before his switch to karts. The prospect of testing a MotoGP machine represents a full-circle moment for the British driver.

Potential Challenges

While the idea of Norris testing a MotoGP bike is thrilling, practical and contractual hurdles exist. Norris’s association with Monster Energy could potentially conflict with Tech3’s ties to Red Bull, a direct competitor in the energy drink market.

More significantly, McLaren CEO Zak Brown may have reservations about his star driver taking on the physical risks associated with motorcycle racing, especially fresh off a championship victory. As Steiner hinted, the risk of injury is a primary concern for F1 teams when their drivers engage in other disciplines.

A Growing Trend

Norris would not be the first F1 driver to experience MotoGP machinery. In 2019, Lewis Hamilton famously tested a Yamaha MotoGP bike alongside Valentino Rossi. Steiner’s invitation to Norris reflects a broader trend of collaboration between the two premier motorsport disciplines as they seek to expand their global appeal.

What’s Next?

As of now, neither Norris nor Tech3 has confirmed a date or location for the test. However, Steiner’s enthusiasm and Norris’s known interest in motorcycles make this a story to watch in the coming months. If the test goes ahead, it will fulfill a childhood dream for Norris and create a historic moment in the intersection of F1 and MotoGP.