Figueres, Spain – Maverick Viñales, currently racing for Red Bull KTM Tech3 in MotoGP, has openly expressed regret over his departure from Yamaha, a decision made mid-season in 2021. The Spanish rider, a 2013 Moto3 World Champion, acknowledges a shift in his decision-making process, stating he’s now less driven by emotion and more focused on rational assessments. This revelation comes as Viñales embarks on a recent chapter with KTM, following stints with Aprilia Racing.
Viñales has develop into known for making bold moves in the MotoGP transfer market. His exit from Yamaha was particularly dramatic, occurring mid-season, followed by a move to Aprilia and now, a project with KTM that holds significant ambition for the future. The rider recently reflected on the most challenging moment of his career: leaving the Yamaha factory team.
“When I left Yamaha, I regretted it,” Viñales stated, as reported by Motosan.es on March 8, 2026. The regret stemmed from a complex situation, balancing a substantial financial offer with the emotional weight of leaving a familiar environment. For many riders, changing teams mid-season is a significant disruption, and Viñales was no exception.
Viñales joined Yamaha in 2017 and achieved considerable success with the Japanese manufacturer, securing 8 race wins and 24 podium finishes. The decision to leave, however, wasn’t solely about dissatisfaction with Yamaha’s performance. It was a confluence of factors, including a lucrative offer and a perceived shift in Yamaha’s competitive trajectory.
“If you look at it from a sporting perspective, it was probably the right decision,” Viñales explained. “At that time, Aprilia was growing rapidly and offered me the opportunity to remain competitive, while Yamaha was beginning to enter a difficult period.” This assessment highlights the strategic considerations that often underpin rider movements in MotoGP, where maintaining a competitive edge is paramount.
In contrast to the turbulent departure from Yamaha, Viñales described a much calmer transition from Aprilia to KTM. He emphasized that he harbors no regrets about leaving the Noale-based team. This difference in emotional response suggests a maturation in his approach to career decisions.
The 31-year-aged rider believes he has evolved as an individual, learning to better manage his emotions and make more reasoned choices. This self-awareness is a crucial asset for any athlete competing at the highest level, where pressure and scrutiny are constant. It’s a lesson learned through experience, and one that Viñales believes will serve him well in the future.
“Today I feel smarter than before, especially not being so emotional,” Viñales asserted. This newfound clarity could be particularly valuable as he joins the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team, a project still in its development phase. KTM has shown commitment to improving its MotoGP program, and Viñales’s experience and level-headedness could be instrumental in their progress.
Viñales’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. From his championship-winning season in Moto3 in 2013, to his five years with Yamaha, his time with Aprilia, and now his move to KTM, he has consistently demonstrated a willingness to take risks and embrace new challenges. His reflections on his past decisions offer a glimpse into the complex world of MotoGP and the pressures faced by its riders.
Currently, Viñales sits 18th in the 2025 MotoGP championship standings with 72 points, having competed in 194 races achieving 10 wins, 35 podiums, 15 pole positions, and 12 fastest laps. His journey continues as he aims to contribute to KTM’s success and further solidify his place among the top riders in the sport.
Looking ahead, Viñales and the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team will be focused on the upcoming races, aiming to improve performance and build momentum. The MotoGP season is a long and demanding one, and consistency is key to achieving success. Viñales’s ability to learn from his past experiences and maintain a clear head will be crucial as he navigates the challenges ahead.
The next race on the MotoGP calendar is the Grand Prix of the Americas at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, scheduled for April 14-16, 2026. This event will provide an early opportunity for Viñales to showcase his progress with KTM and demonstrate the benefits of his more measured approach to decision-making.
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