Maverick Vinales has cast significant doubt on his racing future following a physically demanding Grand Prix in Qatar. The KTM Tech3 rider, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury since his crash at the Sachsenring, admitted that his physical condition has not improved, leading to a loss of motivation to continue competing at a subpar level.
The race at the Lusail International Circuit proved to be another difficult outing for the Spaniard, who finished 13th, only managing to stay ahead of stand-in rider Jake Dixon. Vinales revealed that the effort to push his right arm in these conditions resulted in severe arm pump, making the race a grueling experience.
"It was very hard. I had to push my right arm so much that I suffered from arm pump. Despite that, I am satisfied that I finished the race," Vinales stated. He confirmed plans for urgent medical examinations, including an MRI scan, to determine if there is structural damage that has been overlooked, noting that he feels no improvement despite his efforts to recover.
Addressing his future, Vinales was uncompromising regarding the final two rounds of the season. "If something is broken, I will stop, because it makes no sense. I cannot improve. I hate riding at the back, and if there is no positive outlook, I will quit," he declared. The frustration of being unable to perform at 100 percent has taken a mental toll on the experienced rider.
With his career path beyond 2026 still uncertain, Vinales is prioritizing his long-term health over immediate results. He openly admitted that he currently lacks the motivation to continue if he cannot be competitive, emphasizing that riding at 50 percent capacity is not a viable option for a rider of his caliber. The upcoming medical results will be the deciding factor for his final appearances this season.
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