Maverick Viñales among MotoGP stars facing 2027 contract void

Maverick Viñales is one of six MotoGP riders already without a contract for 2027 as factory teams finalize their Superbike plans.

On 13 July 2026, it emerged that Maverick Viñales is among the MotoGP riders whose seats for next season are already gone. Jack Miller, Brad Binder, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Rins and Luca Marini also have no rides confirmed for 2027. Only Marini still has a route back into the premier class via Tech3 KTM.

All except Viñales have openly explored World Superbike options. Factory teams in WSBK have just four seats left for 2027: BMW, Aruba.it Ducati, Honda and a fourth yet to be named. Yamaha’s MotoGP boss Paolo Pavesio told SPEEDWEEK.com in early June that the team is focused on keeping Xavi Vierge and has no current plan to sign anyone else.

Yamaha racing director Niccolò Canepa confirmed the team has an option on Vierge that must be decided by September. Canepa added the squad is “looking at all available options” but sees no obvious upgrade on Vierge’s current form. Viñales’ name has circulated in paddock chatter about possible Superbike moves, though no concrete talks have been reported.

Viñales’ future hinges on whether Yamaha exercises its option on Vierge or pursues another rider. The Spanish star’s camp has not commented publicly. With the September Yamaha deadline looming, Viñales must decide soon whether to chase a Superbike seat or explore other avenues in MotoGP or elsewhere.