ASSEN, Netherlands — Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner believes Maverick Vinales damaged his own prospects of remaining in MotoGP by publicly criticizing KTM over his uncertain future, arguing that the Spaniard’s comments are unlikely to strengthen his position during ongoing contract negotiations.
Vinales has repeatedly expressed frustration with KTM in recent weeks after learning he is no longer expected to receive a promotion to the factory team for the 2027 season.
During last weekend’s Czech Grand Prix, the 10-time premier-class race winner accused KTM of leaving him in limbo over his future before doubling down at Assen by saying the Austrian manufacturer would bear responsibility if he is left without a MotoGP seat next year.
The dispute centers on a contractual clause that gives KTM the first option to retain Vinales for 2027 until the end of June, effectively preventing him from pursuing opportunities with rival manufacturers while his future remains unresolved.
Steiner questioned the wisdom of Vinales making his frustrations public while his options on the rider market remain limited.
“I don’t think it’s the smartest thing to do,” Steiner said. “I don’t know why he said this.”
“If you haven’t got the choice, if you’re a beggar, you cannot be a chooser. I don’t know what he was thinking. Maybe he wasn’t thinking when he said it.”
Tech3 is expected to overhaul its rider lineup for next season.
Enea Bastianini is widely expected to join Trackhouse Racing, while Tech3 has opened discussions with Honda rider Luca Marini. The team is also evaluating Moto2 talent Senna Agius as a possible rookie signing for the second seat.
Vinales himself acknowledged earlier this weekend that his chances of remaining with Tech3 appear increasingly remote, pointing to KTM’s decision not to include him in next week’s Pirelli tire test as another indication that he is not part of the manufacturer’s long-term plans.
Steiner suggested Vinales’ public criticism could further complicate his situation.
“I’m sure it doesn’t help these things,” he said. “Blaming KTM for it, I think that’s a little bit harsh as well.”
He also defended KTM’s recent performances despite the manufacturer’s inability to consistently challenge Ducati and Aprilia at the front of the field.
“In terms of performance, the KTM isn’t an Aprilia or a Ducati at the moment, but the performance is there,” Steiner said. “Pedro (Acosta) is doing well and Enea was in the top 10 yesterday, so it’s not only KTM to blame.”
“I don’t know what he was thinking. Maybe he was very emotional about it because there is a chance that he’s not around anymore next year in MotoGP, and he just let the emotions get ahead of himself.”
Vinales has struggled to regain his best form since undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year to remove a loose screw following injuries sustained in a crash at the Sachsenring nearly a year ago.
Although the Spaniard remains confident he will eventually return to full fitness, both KTM and Tech3 have indicated they want additional time to evaluate his performances before making a final decision regarding his future.
With the rider market beginning to accelerate ahead of the 2027 season, Vinales faces an increasingly uncertain outlook as available seats continue to disappear across the MotoGP grid.
