Brad Binder has been relegated to number two status next to KTM ‘jewel’ Pedro Acosta

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Brad Binder’s future at KTM is uncertain as the final year of his contract approaches. But there’s an argument that he should jump before he is pushed.

In 2025, Binder went a whole season without a podium for the first time in his MotoGP career. He also matched his worst finish with P11.

He still outscored Enea Bastianini by 43 points, and his points-per-race average was higher than the injury-affected Maverick Vinales. But he suffers from the comparison to Pedro Acosta.

Acosta rode the KTM RC16 to fourth in the championship and finished on the podium 12 times. The other three riders rarely got close to the bike’s full potential.

KTM are focusing ‘almost exclusively’ on Pedro Acosta

According to a report from GPOne, KTM are now treating Acosta like the ‘family jewel’. They are desperate to convince the emerging superstar to stay.

KTM recently debuted their 2027 MotoGP bike in a test, and this was seen as a message to Acosta about their readiness for the new regulations.

They are said to be focusing ‘almost exclusively’ on the 21-year-old, which is clearly bad news for Binder, arguably been relegated to number two status.

KTM have signed Phil Marron, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s former crew chief, to work with Binder next year, so it’s not as if he’s become a complete afterthought.

But it’s hard to be optimistic of a significant improvement from the South African if the team are gravitating towards their franchise rider. Binder may benefit from exploring the market.

His stock is at its lowest ebb right now, but this is still a rider with two premier-class wins and 11 podiums, making him an appealing option.

Maverick Vinales is a threat to Brad Binder’s KTM seat

Last year, KTM considered demoting Binder to Tech3 in a swap with Vinales. The latter’s injury scuppered the plan, but it’s another warning sign.

The Race report that Vinales bought shares in KTM at the height of their financial crisis earlier this year. This may have helped him form a strong bond with his new team immediately.

If Vinales is fully fit at the start of 2026, then he clearly represents the biggest immediate threat to Binder.

There’s talk that Acosta has already signed his 2027 contract, and if he joins another team, then it may relieve some of the pressure on the #33.

Acosta appears to have a good relationship with Binder, but it seems highly likely that this will be the last year of their partnership one way or another.