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Hamilton would welcome ‘epic’ F1 and MotoGP joint event

After Liberty Media’s takeover of MotoGP, Lewis Hamilton would love to see an “epic” fusion where F1 and its two-wheel counterpart come together to race on the same weekend.

Liberty Media, Formula 1’s commercial rights holder recently sealed a $4.32 billion deal to acquire an 86% stake in Dorna Sports, MotoGP’s parent company.

The American mass media giant’s acquisition has inevitably fueled speculation about a groundbreaking collaboration between F1 and MotoGP and the organization of a double bill race weekend.

While logistical hurdles abound – coordinating at the same venue two major racing series with vastly different technical needs and safety considerations would be a complex undertaking – Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta hasn't ruled it out.

MotoGP’s supremo even confirmed that discussions were underway with his F1 counterpart, Stefano Domenicali, to "study the possibility."

This potential crossover has captured the imagination of F1 fans, and especially of Hamilton, a long-standing MotoGP enthusiast who endorsed the idea of a joint event between motorsport’s top-two categories, calling it “epic”.

“I didn't really think a lot about it, [but] obviously I read the headlines about it,” Hamilton said at the Japanese Grand Prix.

“I think Liberty has done an amazing job with Formula 1, obviously the value of the thing. So, I think they can do a great job with MotoGP.

“It's exciting because I love MotoGP. It would be epic if we can have them on the same weekend.”

In 2019, at the behest of sponsor Monster Energy, Hamilton and MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi came together and swapped rides for a track day of mutual fun and exploration at Valencia.

“Maybe I could do a race in MotoGP and race a Formula 1 car on the same weekend – that would be really cool,” Hamilton joked.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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