Neil Hodgson suspects veteran rider might be ‘done’ with MotoGP after seeing Catalan GP crashes

Add as preferred source on Google

Maverick Vinales may decide to call time on his MotoGP career after seeing the carnage at the Catalan Grand Prix, Neil Hodgson says.

Sunday’s race at Barcelona made for sobering viewing as heavy crashes resulted in Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco being sent to hospital. Both riders were confirmed as conscious at the scene.

Zarco has leg and knee injuries but has avoided a concussion or any upper-body damage from his restart incident with Luca Marini and Francesco Bagnaia. Meanwhile, Gresini say Marquez is ‘fine’ but are awaiting the outcome of hospital scans.

Neil Hodgson ‘wouldn’t blame’ Maverick Vinales for quitting MotoGP

Speaking in commentary for TNT Sports, Gavin Emmett and Hodgson suggested that the race could persuade Vinales, one of the older riders on the grid at 31, to retire.

Among active riders, only Marc Marquez (211) and Jack Miller (205) have started more races than Vinales (197), who ranks just outside the top 10 all time.

The 10-time Grand Prix winner only returned to action this weekend after a three-race absence with a recurring shoulder problem. The same issue ruled him out for much of the 2025 season.

• READ MORE: Fabio Di Giannantonio sends instant message to Alex Marquez after winning Catalan Grand Prix

“Maverick Vinales, the last couple of years has looked like he’s been close to retirement,” said Emmett. “He misses a few races with a shoulder problem and I wonder if…”

Hodgson interjected: “He’s sat there now thinking, ‘Do you know what? I think I might be done.’

“And you wouldn’t blame him, would you, thinking what a career Maverick Vinales has had.”

Vinales eventually crossed the line in 13th place to give him his first points finish of the season.

His hopes of a factory KTM seat for 2027 have been dashed by the Austrian manufacturer reportedly signing Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio.

After Tech3 extended their deal with KTM, Vinales is ahead of Brad Binder in the queue for a contract extension, assuming he chooses to continue. A young rider could take the second seat.