Marco Bezzecchi
The relationship between KTM and Maverick Vinales is almost non-existent, and the solution is staring right at them after the German Grand Prix – it has to end now.
The situation with Vinales and KTM has spiralled downhill dramatically over the past few months. It looked fairly comfortable at the start of 2026, as Top Gun was set for a promotion from Tech3 in 2027.
KTM had offered Vinales a contract with the factory team, but his poor start to the season saw the team change their mind. Instead, Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio will race for KTM in 2027, and now, their relationship with Vinales has completely collapsed.
Our rider ratings for Germany are in, but what did we get wrong?
KTM need to cut ties with Maverick Vinales immediately
Vinales kept his shoulder injury a secret from KTM and later underwent surgery to fix the problem. This annoyed KTM and Tech3, and his lacklustre results eventually led them to explore other options.
A seat with Tech3 looked to be his only way to stay in MotoGP, but that is now off the cards. Luca Marini is set to join Tech3 in 2027 alongside a Moto2 rookie, prompting Vinales to implode and blast KTM to the press.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Maverick Vinales from career stats to net worth
The Spaniard claimed that KTM were to blame if he were to lose his seat in MotoGP. Unsurprisingly, these comments did not sit well with Tech3 boss Guenther Steiner, and may have prompted the team to let him go in 2027.
Vinales practically confirmed this at the German Grand Prix, saying that he is out of MotoGP next season. This constant criticism and harsh comments from Top Gun should leave KTM with no choice but to cut ties with him now.
Since returning from injury, Vinales’ performances have been seriously lacking, having scored only 10 points thus far. His heart is clearly not in it anymore at KTM, evidenced by his retirement at the German GP.
What should KTM do with Maverick Vinales after his public outbursts?
The Tech3 rider pulled into the pits on lap 26, having been running behind stand-in rider Cal Crutchlow in last for the whole race. With the relationship being untenable and Vinales already knowing his future, the team would be much better off getting rid of him now.
Pol Espargaro has been injured in 2026, but as his results proved as a wildcard entry in 2025, he would be a significantly better option than Vinales right now. KTM cannot carry on like this, especially if the Spaniard continues to scold them so publicly.
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