Pedro Acosta: A New Era in MotoGP with Red Bull KTM

Pedro Acosta’s inaugural season in MotoGP during 2025 has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with both exhilarating highs and frustrating lows. While he established himself as a fast contender right from the start, often challenging seasoned veterans such as Marc Marquez, he faced difficulties that hindered his progress. Frequent crashes and a lack of the necessary consistency to convert his impressive speed into podium finishes were significant obstacles for him.

Just a month ago, during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Acosta openly acknowledged the need to temper his aggressive riding style after he crashed during qualifying, which cost him a promising front-row starting position. This acknowledgment of his mistakes highlighted his growing self-awareness and maturity as a competitor. However, it’s important to note that many of these missteps could be attributed to his relative inexperience in the highly competitive environment of MotoGP.

Despite these challenges, there has been a noticeable change in the atmosphere at KTM since the summer, especially following Bajaj’s acquisition of the company. The new management has brought a sense of stability that was previously lacking, and the upgrades introduced to the KTM RC16 during the Austrian Grand Prix have transformed the bike into a serious podium contender.

A Shift in Focus: From Speed to Consistency

Acosta’s recent performances reflect a significant evolution in his riding approach. Alongside improvements in the RC16’s speed, he has demonstrated a more mature mindset, prioritizing consistency in his races. Rather than becoming frustrated over a missed podium due to poor tire choices, Acosta expressed satisfaction with his fourth-place finish, emphasizing the importance of accumulating points and contributing to the team’s success.

After the race, Acosta shared his thoughts: “P4 again, we have to be happy, because we had a really solid weekend. A lot of good points and a lot of improvement for the team. Also, I’m super happy for KTM, as they have put a bike on the podium for the fourth weekend in a row, including sprints. It’s a good weekend overall.” His comments reflect a newfound appreciation for the cumulative success of the team, which is particularly important as he steps into a leadership role within the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team.

Leading the Charge at KTM

With teammate Brad Binder struggling to find his form, Acosta has naturally taken on the responsibility of team leader within KTM. This role not only involves pushing the team toward improvement but also celebrating their achievements, even when it means watching competitors, like Enea Bastianini, outperform him on a similar bike. This shift in perspective speaks volumes about Acosta’s development as a rider and teammate over recent months.

Acosta himself has recognized this significant change in his mentality. Reflecting on his growth, he stated, “I feel that for the first time we are creating a very solid foundation. Three months ago, Pedro would have thrown the bike into the stands and said, ‘Guys, you stay there.’ Do you understand what I mean?” This candid insight reveals a more grounded approach that prioritizes long-term success over immediate gratification.

He continued, “I think we’re laying the groundwork. We’re not making a lot of mistakes in the race. I may be lacking; I knew Montmelo was going to be tough, but now we’re coming to a nice part of the season, with circuits that I like, and we’re doing well. It’s time to build the future.” This forward-looking mindset is essential as he prepares for upcoming races, particularly on tracks that suit his riding style.

KTM’s Mid-Season Resurgence

The resurgence of KTM in the MotoGP circuit is evident, with the team achieving podium finishes in three of the past four races. When considering sprint races, the RC16 has made it into the top three for four consecutive weekends. This consistency is crucial as KTM finds itself just two points behind Aprilia in the constructors’ championship battle, competing for the title of the top non-Ducati team.

Acosta understands the importance of maintaining a strong position in the standings. He expressed his desire to consistently finish within the top five for the remainder of the season, stating, “I want to be, in every session I can, from the start of the summer until the end of the year, in the top five. That’s what gives you consistency, what gives you speed, and allows you to see what the other riders are doing.”

The competitive landscape of MotoGP is fierce, and Acosta is acutely aware of the current frontrunners, including Marc and Alex Marquez, who have been nearly unbeatable, as well as the swift Marco Bezzecchi. He also noted that his fellow KTM riders, including Maverick Vinales from the Tech3 team, are gradually recovering from injuries, adding to the team’s competitive edge.

Consistency as the Key to Success

For Acosta, the focus on consistency marks a significant transformation from the previous season. Last year, he was often prone to making critical errors, which ultimately affected his results. Now, he acknowledges the need to rectify those mistakes and establish a sense of reliability in his performances. He remarked, “Last year, I made a lot of mistakes, and now I have to find the consistency I lacked last year.”

This commitment to improvement is a crucial aspect of Acosta’s evolution as a racer, as he seeks to balance speed with strategic racing. His determination to secure top finishes, regardless of whether he stands on the podium, demonstrates a mature understanding of the sport’s demands.

Reflecting on his experiences from last year, Acosta recounted an incident in Japan, where, after taking pole position, he crashed out of both races. At that point, he was unwilling to accept that the Ducati was a superior machine to the KTM, even if it meant enduring further crashes. This mindset, while passionate, also underscores the importance of adapting to the realities of racing and recognizing the need for growth.

The Road Ahead: Building Momentum

As the MotoGP season progresses, Acosta’s focus will be on harnessing the momentum generated by the recent improvements at KTM. With a solid foundation now in place, he is poised to take full advantage of the upcoming races, particularly on circuits that align with his strengths.

Looking ahead, Acosta’s vision for his career involves not just individual success but also contributing to the overall growth of the KTM team. He believes that by maintaining a consistent presence at the front of the pack, he can help elevate the team’s status in the championship standings and inspire his teammates to perform at their best.

In conclusion, Pedro Acosta’s journey in MotoGP has only just begun. With each race, he is learning valuable lessons that will shape his future in the sport. His commitment to consistency, combined with the recent resurgence of the KTM team, sets the stage for an exciting chapter in his racing career. As he continues to develop as a rider and leader, the MotoGP community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how Acosta’s story unfolds in the years to come.