Maverick Vinales: A New Mental Approach in MotoGP 2025

Maverick Vinales has declared a significant transformation in his mental approach during the 2025 MotoGP season, expressing that he feels "mentally stronger" than ever before in his racing career. After departing from Aprilia at the conclusion of the previous season, Vinales joined Tech3, where he now rides a factory-spec KTM alongside former Ducati racer Enea Bastianini. This new partnership marks a fresh chapter for both riders and the team.

KTM’s Challenging Start to the Season

The 2025 season commenced with KTM facing considerable challenges, primarily due to financial difficulties that put them on the back foot. Despite this rocky start, Vinales quickly became a beacon of hope for the team, demonstrating his potential by temporarily securing second place in the Qatar Grand Prix. Unfortunately, a tyre-pressure violation relegated him to a 14th-place finish, but his performance still hinted at the promise of better results to come.

Vinales continued to build on this early momentum with impressive finishes, including two top-five placements at the Jerez and Le Mans races. However, his season took a drastic turn when he suffered a significant injury—a left shoulder fracture—during a rain-soaked qualifying session at the German Grand Prix. This injury marked the first major setback of his MotoGP career, resulting in Vinales missing several races while he recuperated at home.

A Setback Leads to Reflection

After struggling to return to form, Vinales ultimately decided to take additional time off, as his initial comeback did not go as planned. Nevertheless, he made his return at the Valencia Grand Prix, where he raced despite feeling considerable discomfort. This final race of the season also provided him an opportunity to test an early prototype of KTM’s 2026 bike.

Reflecting on his tumultuous season, Vinales expressed a sense of pride in the mental resilience he demonstrated throughout the challenges he faced. He conveyed optimism about the groundwork he laid during 2025, believing that it would yield positive results in the upcoming 2026 season. "This year has been one where I’ve planted a lot of seeds, and I’ve experienced significant mental growth," he shared in Valencia. He emphasized that the 2025 season was pivotal in strengthening his mental fortitude, which excites him for the future. "I’m eager for next year; I want to continue improving and evolving."

The Drive to Win

Vinales acknowledges that every rider in MotoGP harbors the ambition to win. However, he understands that achieving victory necessitates hard work and dedication. Reflecting on the beginning of the season, he noted how critical it was for him to inspire his team to maintain their work ethic and belief in their potential. "At the start of the year, I took on the role of motivating everyone to keep pushing forward and believing in our capabilities. It was a new experience for me, and I believe I handled it well," he explained.

As a rider, Vinales recognizes the importance of collaboration with the team. "KTM has a clear direction for improvement, and it’s essential for me, as a rider, to assist them in this journey. Being a good manager of our efforts is crucial, and we must remain focused on our goals." Vinales highlighted that it is essential for him to focus on his recovery and be fully fit for the upcoming February tests, which he believes will provide ample time for preparation.

Discovering the Bike’s Weaknesses

Despite the physical limitations imposed by his injury, Vinales found an unexpected advantage. During his recovery, he was able to identify weaknesses in the KTM RC16 that he had previously been able to overlook while riding at full capacity. "Interestingly, before the injury, I was compensating for various issues with my riding style. Now that I can’t rely on my strength, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of where we need to improve," he noted.

In the past, he was able to manage the bike’s shortcomings by exerting maximum effort during every braking maneuver. "If the bike struggled to stop, I would simply push harder on the brakes," Vinales explained. However, the limitations he faced during his recovery allowed him to pinpoint specific areas for improvement. "Now, without the strength to override the problems, I can clearly identify what needs to be addressed," he added.

Goals for the Future

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Vinales expressed a desire to enhance the bike’s deceleration capabilities. He noted that excessive rear tire sliding has been a significant issue, leading to overheating of the tires and brakes, which ultimately diminishes grip during corner exits. "My goal is to develop a bike that offers more consistency, allowing us to hit the same braking markers reliably," he stated.

He emphasized that precision is key: "Currently, the bike’s behavior can be unpredictable. One moment it may brake effectively, and the next it may slide or fail to turn as expected. I want to achieve a motorcycle that enables precise handling and predictable performance."

Vinales’ experiences during the 2025 season have equipped him with valuable insights into his riding style and the bike’s performance. He is determined to leverage these lessons into actionable improvements for the upcoming season.

Conclusion

As Maverick Vinales prepares for the next chapter in his MotoGP career with KTM, he carries with him a newfound mental strength and a clear vision for the future. His experiences during the 2025 season have laid the groundwork for an exciting year ahead, filled with opportunities for growth and improvement. The challenges he faced have not only pushed him to become a better rider but have also deepened his understanding of what it takes to succeed in the highly competitive world of MotoGP.

With an unwavering commitment to hard work, collaboration, and continuous improvement, Vinales is poised to make the most of the upcoming season. As he looks to build on his experiences and insights, the MotoGP community eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for this talented rider and the KTM team.