A report by the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) outlined cost-cutting measures, including potential exits from MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 by 2026. This was accompanied by an internal analysis from the Boston Consulting Group, commissioned by KTM, which revealed a grim financial trajectory. Despite these pressures, KTM reaffirmed its short-term commitment: "We will continue to compete in MotoGP for 2025," the company stated. However, plans beyond that remain unclear.

At the core of the crisis are KTM's employees and suppliers. Hundreds of workers face unpaid wages and job losses, while suppliers await overdue payments. CEO Stefan Pierer is widely seen as responsible for KTM’s precarious overstock of motorcycles, a key factor in the financial troubles. Insiders recall warnings from Pierer as early as 2020 about declining sales, yet production continued unchecked, leaving an estimated 250,000 unsold motorcycles and €3 billion in debt.

In recent weeks, Pierer has stepped back from decision-making in the sports division, delegating control to Heinz Kinigadner, a trusted ally and partner. Meanwhile, Pierer Mobility shares dropped to €8 by late November, only to recover slightly after insolvency proceedings began, attracting opportunistic investors.

Among the potential saviors of KTM's racing division are familiar names: Bajaj, which already owns 40% of KTM shares; CF Moto, a Chinese partner; and Mercedes, where Pierer holds a board seat. Speculation also swirled around Lewis Hamilton, but sources confirmed his interest was conditional on rescuing the broader company, not just the MotoGP team.

Pedro Acosta’s meteoric rise has made him a valuable asset, and the uncertainty surrounding KTM's future has drawn interest from rival manufacturers. Albert Valera, Acosta’s manager, acknowledged the growing tension: "All the factories have contacted me, checking on Pedro and hoping this situation doesn’t affect him. He’s a 20-year-old diamond, and any brand would love to have him."

While KTM’s leadership remains optimistic about saving its racing operations, Valera is prepared to act swiftly if the crisis deepens. "I cannot let Pedro’s market value drop," Valera said. "If this jeopardizes his career, I’ll find him a winning project elsewhere. He needs the tools to compete for the MotoGP title."

For KTM, the stakes go beyond finances—they are existential. Racing is embedded in the brand’s DNA, as reflected in their slogan, Ready to Race. The coming months will test whether that ethos can survive the pressures of insolvency. For now, the focus is on survival, with Acosta and KTM’s loyal workforce hoping to emerge from the crisis soon.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the MotoGP world is watching closely, and Pedro Acosta’s next move could shape the sport’s future as much as KTM’s.