Brad Binder is now in ‘uncomfortable’ talks with KTM as his MotoGP future comes under threat

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Brad Binder has been a pillar of the KTM project since his MotoGP debut in 2020, but questions are growing about the South African’s future following his frustrating 2025.

The 30-year-old is safe in his seat for at least another season as he has a contract for 2026. But KTM are starting to have doubts about retaining Binder beyond his current deal, as they weigh up which riders could lead the Austrian crew into the 2027 MotoGP regulations cycle.

Binder has been a part of the KTM family for the past decade, having returned to their ranks for the 2015 Moto3 season after first joining the brand in 2012. He even scored KTM’s debut MotoGP race win as a rookie at the 2020 Czech Grand Prix, but his future is now less secure.

Pedro Acosta has cast a shadow over Binder since joining the works KTM team for the 2025 MotoGP season. The 21-year-old leads his more experienced partner 20-0 in their qualifying head-to-head battle with two rounds remaining and even boasts 260 points to 133 this year.

Brad Binder is in ‘uncomfortable’ talks with KTM as they no longer feel he is dependable

Now, Binder is fighting for his future with KTM beyond 2026, when most of the MotoGP grid is also set to be out of contract. The Race reports that Binder is in ‘uncomfortable’ talks with KTM, as they no longer see him as a dependable asset following his frustrating 2025 season.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Brad Binder from career stats to wife

While KTM cherished Binder’s reliability the most, his status has faltered this term with the South African only 12th in the riders’ standings while Acosta ranks in fifth place. Acosta has also taken four Grand Prix podiums this term, while Binder has not finished higher than P4.

Binder has lost his usual levels of consistency, and he will slip into even worse uncertainty at KTM if this season’s struggles continue in 2026. While KTM’s own future is uncertain as Bajaj is considering selling the team, they must feel they can rely on Binder to keep him for 2027.

Brad Binder must take 2025 as a major warning that his KTM future is far from certain

KTM are questioning Binder’s future as he has so far taken just one top-five finish all season with his P4 in the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika in October. His average finish through 16 classified results is also only P8.75, having failed to finish four times through 20 rounds.

His plight this year may have even cost Binder his factory seat for the 2026 season if it were not for Maverick Vinales suffering an injury that ruined his form. KTM considered demoting Binder to Tech3 for 2026 in a seat swap with Vinales, after he adapted instantly to the RC16.

Binder has to now take this year as an opportunity to learn where he must improve for the South African to stand a chance of convincing KTM to keep him for 2027, if they are still on the grid. Binder admits that Acosta has shown him where to improve, so KTM need results.