The dispute could end his MotoGP career.
SACHSENRING, GERMANY — July 2026. Maverick Viñales has revealed that KTM sent him a contract for the 2027 MotoGP season, accepted his signature and then declared the agreement invalid two weeks later. The Spanish rider said the episode left him feeling disconnected from professional motorcycle racing. With most seats for next season already occupied, his future in the championship is increasingly uncertain.
Viñales explained that he received the proposed deal before the Italian Grand Prix and signed it despite considering its terms unfavorable. He accepted because he wanted to continue racing and maintained confidence in KTM’s engineers. According to the rider, the manufacturer subsequently informed him that the contract was no longer valid.
The breakdown followed months of uncertainty surrounding his position within the Austrian project. Viñales had initially expected a promotion to the factory team, but KTM instead signed Álex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio for 2027. He also learned through media reports that he would not participate in testing the new 850cc motorcycle, reinforcing his belief that the team no longer included him in its plans.
KTM previously argued that it needed more time to evaluate Viñales after persistent problems with his injured left shoulder. The 31-year-old underwent additional surgery this year following the serious accident he suffered at the 2025 German Grand Prix. His physical difficulties limited his ability to demonstrate the performance level he had shown before the injury.
Viñales said he is not currently pursuing opportunities in other categories and instead wants time away from competition. He has mentioned endurance racing and other disciplines as possible future options, but indicated that retirement from MotoGP now appears realistic. The breakdown in negotiations has transformed a sporting decision into a profound loss of trust.
A cancelled contract may have closed MotoGP’s door before Viñales was ready to leave.