Maverick Vinales' time with Tech3 KTM could come to an early end, with reports indicating the team is working towards a mid-season split as internal tensions and uncertainty over his future continue to escalate.
According to sources close to the team, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone could be Vinales' final appearance for Tech3. KTM is reportedly considering veteran test rider Pol Espargaro as both an immediate replacement and a rider to finish the remainder of the 2026 season.
The situation has developed following the shoulder injury Vinales suffered during a crash at the Sachsenring in July, but the breakdown in his relationship with newly appointed Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner is also believed to have played a major role.
Steiner's arrival has brought significant changes to the team, with reports suggesting his management approach has created a difficult working environment for Vinales. The growing tension has accelerated KTM's plans to reshape its rider line-up.
Vinales hinted at his frustration during the Czech Grand Prix, admitting he no longer knew where he stood within the KTM project.
"In the winter I was in the factory team, now I don't even know where I am," he said.
Source: Crash.net
The Spaniard joined Tech3 after signing a deal that covered the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Following a promising start to his KTM career, he was reportedly given encouragement that a future promotion to the factory team was possible.
However, those expectations faded after KTM signed Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio for its factory squad. At the same time, the manufacturer did not activate its option to extend Vinales' contract before the June 30 deadline, leaving his future in doubt.
Speaking at Brno, Vinales did not hide his disappointment.
"If I don't continue in MotoGP, there is only one culprit: KTM," he said.
The relationship deteriorated further after Vinales claimed KTM had initially offered him a contract, only to later inform him that the agreement would not be honoured.
"KTM sent me a contract, I signed it, and two weeks later they told me it wasn't valid," he revealed at the Sachsenring.
Meanwhile, KTM appears to be preparing for a fresh start ahead of the 2027 season. Steiner has previously spoken about moving forward without "baggage from the past", while reports suggest Luca Marini and Senna Agius are among the riders expected to feature in the team's future plans.
For now, KTM's priority is believed to be reaching an agreement with Vinales as quickly as possible, avoiding a lengthy dispute over the remaining rounds of the championship. If a deal can be reached, Silverstone could mark the end of Vinales' brief and turbulent spell with Tech3.
