– Speculation about the future of Maverick Vinales reached a new peak over the weekend. The trigger was reports that KTM is considering an early separation from the Spaniard and is considering test rider Pol Espargaro as a possible replacement for the rest of the 2026 MotoGP season.
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Now Vinales has spoken out himself with a clear statement on Instagram, firmly rejecting the rumors. “I am now reading articles that make no sense at all,” the Tech3 rider wrote on Sunday in a story.
Just last week he was at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC), where it was investigated why his body still does not recover as hoped. He is currently comparing the findings there with his treating doctors to find out whether this is indeed the cause of his ongoing problems and what measures could improve his recovery.
Vinales denies early dismissal
At the same time, Vinales sent an unmistakable message: “Stop writing stupid articles about me. I will not race in the Superbike World Championship and I will finish the season as my contract stipulates.”
With this, the Spaniard directly contradicts recent reports that KTM is already working on a legal and financial solution to release the Tech3 rider from his contract during the ongoing MotoGP season.
According to information from the Spanish edition of Motorsport.com, the manufacturer is considering various scenarios to remove Vinales from the RC16 as soon as possible. Espargaro, who will replace the injured Vinales at the British Grand Prix, could also compete in the remaining races of the season.
Vinales continues to struggle with his shoulder
The background to these considerations is the difficult sporting and health situation of the Spaniard. Since his crash at the Sachsenring in July 2025, Vinales has been struggling with the consequences of his left shoulder injury. In spring, he had to undergo another operation after a screw had loosened.
He missed several races before returning to Grand Prix competition after intensive rehab – including at the APC. Even then, KTM had prioritized the complete recovery process over an early race return.
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Photo gallery: The career highlights of Maverick Vinales
But even after his comeback, Vinales remained far from his former form. Recently, he had repeatedly admitted openly that he lacked strength on the motorcycle and that recovery was progressing much more slowly than hoped. After the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring, he even said that he currently mainly needs support but instead mainly receives criticism.
Steiner wants fresh blood at Tech3 for 2027
At the same time, the relationship between rider and manufacturer deteriorated increasingly. Vinales had publicly criticized KTM sharply in recent weeks. On the sidelines of the Czech Grand Prix, he said: If his MotoGP career ends after this season, there is “only one culprit: KTM”.
Soon after, he went further and claimed that KTM initially sent him a new contract, which he signed, only to then inform him that it was not valid. These statements caused considerable internal upset.
Tech3 CEO Günther Steiner recently hinted that a fresh start in personnel is planned for 2027 and that riders with baggage from the previous KTM structure are not necessarily part of this future. At the same time, it is an open secret that Luca Marini and Senna Agius are the favorites for the two seats at Tech3 for the 2027 season. However, an official confirmation is still pending.
Against this background, the reports of a possible early separation appeared quite plausible. However, Vinales himself now makes it clear that he neither plans a switch to the Superbike World Championship nor expects to have to end his MotoGP commitment prematurely in the current season.
Instead, he is fully focusing on his health situation. According to him, the examinations at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre could provide concrete clues for the first time as to why his shoulder has not fully recovered despite surgery and months of rehabilitation.
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