Maverick Viñales' KTM future in doubt as Steiner distances himself from Tech3 talks

Maverick Viñales faces an unclear path back to MotoGP after Guenther Steiner, the Tech3 CEO, firmly distanced himself from the Spaniard’s ongoing contract talks with KTM on 11 July 2026.**

Steiner made it plain that the Viñales case sits entirely outside Tech3’s remit. The Italian squad will sign riders directly from 2027, yet the Spaniard’s fate still hinges on KTM’s decision alone.

What happened?

Steiner told motorsport.com that he has no role in Maverick Viñales’ contract talks with KTM. “I’m not involved in his contract. It’s a KTM contract,” he said. “I saw the headlines and thought, ‘I hope I’m not caught up in this story, because it has nothing to do with me personally or with Tech3.’”

He added that he has never seen Viñales’ agreement and has no interest in doing so. “I don’t know what’s been done. If someone tells me their version of the story, I’d have to verify whether it’s true or not, but that’s not my role. I’m happy to stay out of it.”

Why it matters for Maverick Viñales

The remarks clash with optimism aired earlier the same day by Pit Beirer, Tech3’s sporting director. Beirer had hinted a Tech3 seat via KTM remained possible for Viñales. Steiner’s intervention dashes that slim hope.

Viñales, 27, has been without a ride since his exit from Aprilia at the end of June. KTM confirmed it is reviewing his return, but no timeline has been given.

Tech3’s new direction

Steiner also revealed a structural shift: from 2027, Tech3 will sign riders under its own name instead of KTM’s. “In the future, they’ll be Tech3 contracts,” he said. “This year, when we took over the team, all the agreements had already been signed. But, from now on, we’ll go our own way.”

The team is now in talks with several riders. Steiner met Luca Marini personally and praised the Italian’s attitude and experience. “I didn’t know Luca before, and he really made a good impression on me,” Steiner said. “He has a lot of experience and might be able to help us improve.”

What comes next?

Steiner stressed no final decision has been made on Tech3’s 2027 lineup. “We haven’t yet made a final decision on what we’re going to do,” he said. The door for Viñales is therefore not fully shut, but it is narrower after Steiner’s clear stance.

KTM’s internal review is expected to conclude before the summer break. Until then, Maverick Viñales remains in limbo, with Tech3’s direct-signing policy adding another layer of uncertainty.