Maverick Viñales Reflects on Yamaha Exit, Embraces New Approach with KTM

Jakarta – Maverick Viñales has openly discussed his regret over leaving Yamaha, while simultaneously highlighting a newfound emotional maturity in his decision-making process. The Spanish rider is known for making bold career moves, including his mid-season departure from Yamaha in 2021, his subsequent stint with Aprilia Racing, and his current role in KTM’s ambitious MotoGP project.

Regret Over Leaving Yamaha

Viñales recalls his departure from Yamaha as a particularly hard period, marked by internal conflict. He acknowledged the presence of a financially attractive offer but likewise the challenge of adapting to a new work environment. “When I left Yamaha, I regretted it,” Viñales stated, as quoted by GPone.com on March 6, 2026.

Having ridden for Yamaha from the 2017 MotoGP season, Viñales achieved 8 wins and 24 podium finishes with the Japanese manufacturer. He explained that, in retrospect, the move might have been the right one from a sporting perspective. “At that time Aprilia was growing rapidly and allowed me to remain competitive, while Yamaha was starting to enter a difficult period,” he added.

A Calmer Transition to KTM

In contrast to the emotional turmoil surrounding his exit from Yamaha, Viñales described a much more composed mindset when he transitioned from Aprilia to KTM. He emphasized that he harbors no regrets about parting ways with the Noale-based manufacturer.

Evolving Emotional Maturity

Viñales believes he has undergone a personal transformation, learning to manage his emotions and approach decisions more rationally. “Today I feel smarter than before, especially less emotional,” he asserted. This newfound maturity is expected to be a key asset as he contributes to KTM’s development and aims to revitalize his MotoGP career.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of the 2025 MotoGP season, Maverick Viñales rides for Red Bull KTM Tech3, currently holding 18th position in the championship with 72 points according to Wikipedia. He is working alongside former rival, now coach, Jorge Lorenzo, in an alliance that has generated considerable interest. While it’s too early to assess the full impact of this partnership, Viñales is focused on utilizing it to reignite his career. The Jerez circuit is anticipated to be a crucial benchmark for evaluating their progress.