The five MotoGP riders most at risk of losing their seats in 2026 including Francesco Bagnaia

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The MotoGP rider market could be the most chaotic it has ever been in 2026. It could throw up multiple shocking moves for the 2027 season.

Action on the transfer front was relatively quiet in 2025, with only two rookies joining the grid in 2026, in Toprak Razgatlioglu at Pramac and Diogo Moreira at LCR.

Other moves were rumoured, such as Jorge Martin to Honda and Pedro Acosta to VR46. However, Dorna blocked riders from breaking their contracts in 2026, thus shutting down the MotoGP rider market’s activity.

However, it is set to reignite in 2026, with more than half the grid out of contract next season. Riders will be looking to tie down their futures as quickly as possible, but some are under huge pressure to stay in the sport.

With that said, here are the five MotoGP riders who are most at risk of losing their seats in the 2026 season.

Francesco Bagnaia

When it comes to potential moves for the 2027 season, Francesco Bagnaia is set to come up frequently in those conversations.

The Italian had a disastrous 2025 campaign at Ducati, struggling to adapt to the GP25 and winning just two races. His dismal end to the year, culminating in six DNFs in the last seven races, has put his future with the Borgo Panigale outfit in jeopardy.

Bagnaia wants to stay at Ducati, but the team have already been looking at alternatives. Pedro Acosta has been heavily linked with Ducati, as has Fabio Quartararo, Fermin Aldeguer and Alex Marquez.

The seat next to defending champion Marc Marquez will be the most sought-after in 2027, even with the regulation change. If Bagnaia wants to keep it, he simply has to find results on the GP26, or it is pretty clear that he will be out of the team.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number

Alex Rins

Alex Rins has not recovered from his serious leg injury back in 2023. He has consistently struggled to score top results for Yamaha, finishing 19th in the standings with 68 points.

2026 is a crucial year for the Iwata outfit as they introduce the V4 bike. Rins is more suited to V4 machinery, which could save him for 2027, but he will have to do better than two top-10 finishes, which he scored in 2025, to stay on the grid.

Rumours have already suggested that Rins will leave Yamaha in 2027. Unless he can dramatically improve his form, that is unlikely to change.

Franco Morbidelli

Franco Morbidelli has been described as the ‘Lance Stroll’ of MotoGP, in that his relationship with Valentino Rossi keeps his seat on the grid secure. However, that may not help him in 2026.

Two seasons on the GP24, arguably the best bike ever seen in the premier class, and no wins does not make for good reading. Neither does his poor reputation on the track, with several crashes and irresponsible moves against other riders, causing damage to his image.

Morbidelli must be under pressure in 2025 to deliver stronger results. Consistent podiums and a few race wins will be needed if Rossi is serious about turning his VR46 team into a title contender.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Franco Morbidelli from net worth to career stats

Jack Miller

Jack Miller was given a lifeline by Pramac in 2025, and he took that opportunity and secured his spot on the grid for 2026. But this new contract may well be his last unless things do not pick up next season.

Miller’s experience is invaluable to Yamaha; there is no questioning that. But his inconsistency ultimately let himself, Pramac and the Iwata manufacturer down, with just four top-10 finishes and 79 points in 2025.

Razgatlioglu, while he is an extremely talented rider, is a chance for Miller to establish himself as the lead rider at Pramac. But if the Turkish star beats him, it will all but spell the end of his MotoGP career.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Jack Miller from net worth to wife

Brad Binder

Brad Binder was KTM’s star rider since he joined the team in 2020, consistently fighting at the front and for podiums. That was until Acosta partnered with him in 2025.

Acosta whitewashed Binder in qualifying this season and scored 12 podiums in the second half of the season, including Sprints. Meanwhile, the South African failed to grab a podium and finished 11th in the standings.

Binder is under pressure at KTM to keep his seat in 2026, with key figures expressing dissatisfaction with his results this year. He has to get closer to Acosta next season or risk being dropped by the team as they enter a critical stage of their MotoGP future.