Brad Binder is determined to recover from the toughest season of his MotoGP career as he enters 2026, unveiled alongside Pedro Acosta with KTM’s new bike this Tuesday. The South African rider, now 30, is heading into his seventh year with KTM’s premier class squad, but faces uncertainty about his future as his contract is set to expire at the end of 2026.
Binder’s standing dropped significantly in 2025, finishing 11th in the championship—a position he hadn’t occupied since his rookie MotoGP season in 2020. His points tally of 155 was the lowest since 2021, and for the first time in his career, he failed to reach the podium in any Grand Prix throughout the season. Despite this, KTM’s motorsport director Pit Beirer has expressed the team’s desire to retain him for the upcoming years, leaving Binder with the crucial task of securing a new contract ahead of the changes in 2027’s MotoGP regulations.
The Key Change Brad Binder Aims to Make in 2026: Rediscovering Joy in Riding
After presenting KTM’s 2026 bike, Binder conveyed optimism about improving beyond his 2025 results. The two-time Grand Prix winner openly acknowledged that overanalyzing his performance issues severely affected him last season. His focus shifted too much toward technical details, which pulled him away from instinctive riding and led to a loss of confidence, especially with the bike’s front end.
The Potchefstroom native explained his mindset during the 2026 bike launch:
“The hard moments for me last year were, really, I felt like I really got too involved, maybe, really trying to figure out why I was missing speed.”
“I felt like I was thinking the whole time on the motorbike, instead of just letting my natural ability take over. And that’s one thing I want to change for the season, just really enjoy riding the bike a bit more.”
He admitted that 2025 was the most difficult year he has ever endured on a motorcycle. Initially, things felt rough and remained so through the middle of the season, though he noted some gradual improvements toward the end, despite the poor results overall.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of a Fresh Start for Binder’s Performance
Binder is hopeful that by restoring his natural riding feel and focusing on enjoyment rather than technical worries, he can reclaim the performance levels he knows he is capable of. This renewed approach comes at a critical time, as KTM and Binder both prepare for the next regulation cycle that could reshape the sport starting in 2027.
“I’m looking forward to a fresh start again this season, and, hopefully, can get back to the performances that I know I’m capable of.”
– Brad Binder, MotoGP Rider
As Binder focuses on this mental reset and KTM works to refine their RC16 for 2026, the season will be pivotal in determining the direction of his MotoGP career amid a competitive and evolving field.
