Tech3 MotoGP team principal Guenther Steiner has confirmed that the team never presented a contract offer to Maverick Vinales for the 2027 season.
In a candid media session at the Austrian Grand Prix, Steiner addressed speculation surrounding Vinales' future, stating that no deal was ever tabled. "Maverick is a KTM rider. And we needed to decide at some stage," Steiner said. "I don’t think Maverick told KTM that he wanted a works team seat, and obviously we don’t have that. So, we needed to make our decision." When asked directly if a deal had been offered, Steiner replied with a firm "No."
The clarification comes after Vinales' anticipated promotion to the factory KTM squad for 2027 fell through following a dip in form linked to a shoulder injury. Vinales had claimed he signed a deal to remain a KTM rider with Tech3 in the summer, but said it was later revoked by the manufacturer. From next year, both Tech3 riders will be contracted directly to the team rather than to KTM, marking a shift in the team's operational structure.
With Tech3 announcing that Senna Agius will partner Luca Marini for 2027, all seats on the grid are now filled, officially ending Vinales' MotoGP career. The 10-time race winner has been absent since the summer break to recover from his shoulder injury, and his future in the championship is now closed.
Steiner expressed his primary concern for Vinales' well-being, emphasizing that recovery should take precedence over racing. "I want him fit as a human being, not as an athlete, for his future, as a person," Steiner said. "That’s more important than racing motorbikes." He added that he had spoken with KTM personnel but had no update on Vinales' condition, reiterating that the rider himself stated he is not yet fit to ride.
The news marks the end of a turbulent period for Vinales, who had shown strong performances in the first half of the 2025 season before his injury. Tech3's decision to move forward with Agius and Marini signals a new chapter for the team as they continue their transition away from direct KTM contracts.
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