F1 icon Lewis Hamilton is reportedly in talks with Gresini Racing about purchasing the satellite Ducati MotoGP squad. The seven-time world champion is said to be interested in buying the Italian based outfit from current boss Nadia Padovani.

According to The Race, a member of Hamilton’s inner circle attended the Dutch TT race in Assen on the weekend, in order to assess the commercial viability of a purchase.

Ducati took the top five finishing places in Assen, with Francesco Bagnaia winning from Jorge Martin.

The development comes during a potentially groundbreaking period for the sport, with MotoGP in the process of being bought by F1 owners Liberty Media. The takeover is expected to be approved by competition regulators later this year.

And the involvement of Hamilton, 39, would serve to raise the profile of motorcycling events and attract new fans. The Mercedes man purchasing Gresini would also pave the way for a unique ‘crossover’ between F1 and MotoGP.

A number of Hamilton’s own sponsors are already involved in MotoGP. He previously purchased X44, who until 2024 competed in the electric off-road racing series Extreme E.

The British hero has made no secret of his interest in MotoGP, and in 2019 drove the Yahama of Valentino Rossi in Valencia. The event was arranged by Monster and Petronas, who endorse both drivers.

“I have always loved bikes,” Hamilton said after his try-out. “When I was younger I wanted to race bikes, not cars but my dad wouldn’t let me, he said they were too dangerous.

“He got me into four wheels rather than two. It was the right choice because if I was racing during the time Vale was there, I wouldn’t have been so successful. Since I have been in Formula 1, I have a superbike and I like to do some track days. It is fascinating. It gives a different perspective.”