Brad Binder is looking at an unlikely farewell tour with KTM in the 2026 MotoGP season, as the Austrian team cannot see South Africa in the future.
The 30-year-old was the head of the factory. KTM The team from its MotoGP debut in 2020 until the start of the 2025 season. But Pedro Acosta left binding In the shadows last year, it raised doubts about the latter’s long-term viability among KTM’s hierarchy.
Acosta beat Binder in every qualifying session in 2025 After joining the factory KTM team. After finishing fourth last year with 307 points and five Grand Prix podiums, Binder finished 11th with 155 points.
Such were the problems last year. KTM began discussing Binder’s future before the winter breakBecause his contract is up after the 2026 season. And it looks like KTM has decided to release Binder before turning the wheel in anger on this year’s RC16.
Brad Binder knows that his time in the factory KTM team will end in 2026
According to MotoMattersIt has been reported that most, if not all, factory MotoGP teams intend to finalize their 2027 rider line-up before the 2026 first round in Thailand. And Binder will be one of the drivers to see out 2026 knowing they are unwanted.
Read more: The best moments of Brad Binder’s MotoGP career
KTM rider Binder, Ducati’s two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia and Yamaha pilot Alex Rins are three riders who already know they are ‘more than wanted’ by their teams. But even with the 2026 season only starting this week, that list could expand.
Binder, Bagnaia and Reins will each now compete in 22 rounds in 2026. MotoGP calendar Riding for teams who have already chosen to sign replacements. All three are out of contract at the end of 2026, and only one seems to have found a new home for 2027.
KTM may drop Brad Binder to Tech3 for 2027
Now that is said. Bagnaia has agreed to join Aprilia on a four-year contract from 2027. After Ducati opted to make a deal for KTM rider Acosta to take the seat at the Borgo Panigale. Acosta is also out of contract at the end of 2026, but his exit doesn’t seem to help Binder.
While the director of motor sports Pete Baer has revealed that KTM “wants to keep it” in 2027. – along with fellow factory contract riders Acosta and Tech3 duo Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini – in December, Binder may have to accept a demotion to stay.
Reports have indicated that KTM has already told Vinales that he will join their works MotoGP team in 2027.All while being able to hold a new, all-Spanish parade. Also Vinales from Tech 3 giving promotion, KTM is expected to sign Gresini’s Alex Marquez for 2027.
With Marquez and Viñales moving to the factory team, KTM are considering taking Binder to Tech3 for 2027. To keep him in the family. KTM Binder is said to be considering mentoring a young talent like Daniel Holgado, one of the favorites for the 2026 Moto2 title.
