Carlos Ezpeleta’s position as sporting director does not fully reflect the influence he now holds inside MotoGP. At 35, the Madrid-born executive has become a central figure in shaping the championship’s future, working across sporting, commercial, and strategic areas that extend well beyond race regulations.
Armed with a degree in mechanical engineering and years of experience within the paddock, Carlos Ezpeleta represents a new generation of leadership inside the world championship. His rise also reflects continuity, as he is widely expected to one day succeed his father, Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has overseen the series since the creation of Dorna Sports in 1988.
Now operating under the MotoGP Sports Entertainment banner following its acquisition by Liberty Media, the championship is navigating one of the most transformative periods in its history. Liberty’s purchase of an 84 percent stake for €3.1 billion marked a decisive shift toward long-term global growth.
A carefully managed generational transition
At 79, Carmelo Ezpeleta remains deeply involved in the most critical decisions affecting MotoGP. His strategic oversight continues to define the championship’s identity. However, day-to-day responsibility is increasingly shared with his son, whose voice carries growing weight within Dorna’s internal structure.
Rather than a sudden handover, the leadership transition has been gradual and deliberate. Carlos Ezpeleta’s responsibilities have expanded steadily, allowing him to influence long-range planning while maintaining institutional stability.
This overlapping leadership model ensures that innovation does not come at the expense of consistency, an essential balance for a championship operating across multiple continents and cultures.
Kuala Lumpur launch showcases global ambition
MotoGP sent a clear message about its aspirations during the launch of the 2026 season at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Despite heavy rain threatening to disrupt proceedings, fans turned out in force, eager to see machines that had been testing only days earlier at Sepang. The weather failed to overshadow the spectacle, instead highlighting the championship’s ability to deliver major international events under challenging conditions.
Speaking from the Four Seasons hotel, Carlos Ezpeleta articulated the broader ambition behind the launch.
“Our ultimate objective is to bring MotoGP into as many homes as possible around the world,” he said. “We know there are limits, but that doesn’t stop us from pushing forward.”
Liberty Media introduces a long-term mindset
Before Liberty Media’s arrival, MotoGP’s ownership structure included Bridgepoint and the Canadian pension fund CPPIB. Their involvement focused largely on financial performance rather than strategic reinvention.
Carlos Ezpeleta has been clear about the contrast. Investment funds often work on short cycles, typically prioritising returns within one to three years. Liberty, by comparison, approaches MotoGP with a longer horizon, shaped by its experience growing Formula 1 into a global entertainment phenomenon.
“We are moving quickly to build foundations for sustainable growth,” Ezpeleta explained. “That does not mean rushing to monetise every opportunity.”
This philosophy now underpins decisions across media rights, fan engagement, and brand development.
Ownership presence felt more in strategy than visibility
Despite completing the takeover, Liberty Media’s senior executives have maintained a relatively low profile in the MotoGP paddock. Board members Chase Carey and Sean Bratches have not been frequent attendees at race weekends.
Instead, strategic oversight has been more visible through Derek Chang, who has attended several events and taken a hands-on approach to understanding MotoGP’s internal dynamics.
Chang was present at key races toward the end of last season, including the weekend when Marc Marquez secured his title in Japan. He has also spent time at Dorna’s Madrid offices, conducting interviews with senior staff to better understand operational realities.
Learning from Formula 1 without copying it
From Carlos Ezpeleta’s perspective, Liberty Media’s involvement represents a strategic advantage rather than a risk. The executive team’s experience in reshaping Formula 1’s global image offers valuable insight, even if MotoGP follows a different path.
“The growth indicators are encouraging,” Ezpeleta noted. “But having access to people with that level of experience helps us make better decisions.”
Importantly, MotoGP is not attempting to replicate Formula 1’s model wholesale. Instead, Liberty appears focused on adapting successful concepts while respecting the championship’s unique culture, technical complexity, and rider-driven narratives.
Brand development becomes the central mission
For Carlos Ezpeleta, one challenge remains particularly pressing. Despite delivering some of the most competitive racing in motorsport, MotoGP’s global recognition still does not match the quality of its on-track product.
“The priority is the brand,” he said. “Strengthening it, expanding its reach, and connecting with new audiences.”
This thinking explains recent changes in how the championship presents itself. High-profile season launches, expanded digital storytelling, and a stronger focus on lifestyle branding all form part of a broader repositioning strategy.
Last year’s launch event in Bangkok served as a testing ground. The Kuala Lumpur showcase built on that momentum, signalling a commitment to meeting fans in iconic global locations.
MotoGP Forward and internal alignment
Another initiative reflecting Carlos Ezpeleta’s influence is MotoGP Forward, a collaborative forum designed to align teams, sponsors, and stakeholders around shared objectives.
Scheduled to take place this week in Barcelona, the event will feature discussions on branding, commercial strategy, and the championship’s long-term direction.
By fostering dialogue across the paddock, MotoGP aims to strengthen its internal ecosystem and ensure that everyone involved contributes to a unified global message.
Quiet authority shaping the next chapter
Carlos Ezpeleta’s rise inside MotoGP has been measured rather than dramatic. There have been no sweeping declarations or abrupt leadership changes. Instead, his influence has grown steadily through preparation, strategic thinking, and alignment with Liberty Media’s long-term vision.
As MotoGP enters a new commercial era, its future is being shaped as much behind closed doors as it is on the racetrack. In that environment, Carlos Ezpeleta continues to play a defining role—quietly guiding the championship toward its next phase of global growth.
