Maverick Vinales is set for another round of medical scans after continued struggles with a shoulder injury, casting doubt on his ability to finish the current MotoGP season.
Persistent Pain and Uncertain Future
The Tech3 KTM rider has battled aftereffects from a complex shoulder injury sustained during a crash at last year’s German Grand Prix. Although Vinales underwent surgery earlier this year and sat out four races after a post-summer muscle tear, he still hasn’t found relief. Following a difficult run to 13th place in Qatar—with only Honda stand-in Jake Dixon behind him—Vinales admitted, “My shoulder is not improving.”
He explained he had to compensate with his right arm, resulting in painful arm pump:
“I had to use my right arm a lot and started to get arm pump, but I’m happy to finish the race and also to keep a good rhythm… I will go to the doctor’s this week to make some scans and see why this condition is not improving.”
Career In the Balance
With no confirmed race seat for 2027 and just two rounds left this year, the Portuguese and Valencia GPs may be Vinales’ last in MotoGP. His recurring pain has left him questioning whether to continue riding:
“There’s no point in continuing like this; I’m only hurting myself mentally… I don’t know what’s better, whether to stop completely or keep going around aimlessly.”
Vinales also revealed he’s kept racing due to a contract clause that affects his pay if he withdraws from further rounds, adding another layer of uncertainty.
With more medical tests ahead and no clear timeline for recovery, Vinales’ MotoGP future remains on a knife-edge as the 2026 season draws to a close.
