Three-time MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo is working closely with Maverick Vinales to help him regain the fierce competitive spirit that defined his early racing career. As Vinales enters his 12th season in the premier class of MotoGP in 2026, this collaboration aims to revive a mindset that could elevate his performance on the track.
Since his debut with Suzuki in 2015, Vinales quickly gained recognition as a promising talent, but with only 10 race wins so far, he has yet to seriously contend for a world title. After switching from Aprilia to KTM’s Tech3 satellite team last year, Vinales became the standout rider for KTM during the season’s first half. To push his limits further, he has now brought in Jorge Lorenzo as his performance coach.
Early Awareness and Motivation From Lorenzo
Jorge Lorenzo has known about Maverick Vinales for many years, noting his reputation dating back to childhood. Vinales took over Lorenzo’s seat at Yamaha in 2017, a period marked by a somewhat tense relationship between the two riders before Lorenzo retired in 2019. At the recent Sepang test—Lorenzo’s debut event in his new coaching role—he highlighted his intention to restore Vinales’ once legendary hunger to win.
“Now his motivation is very high,”
said Lorenzo during the MotoGP event.
“I don’t know if it’s higher than ever, because I wasn’t with him all of those years. I heard about Maverick from when he was eight years old and when I was 15, and he has always been an amazing rider, so much talent. Everyone says that when he was a kid he was a killer and he hated to lose. And somehow, I think in the last five, six years, he lost this motivation or hunger to win. And now, he understands, after having some daughters and spending some years with them and his wife, he understands that maybe the next two or three years will be his last chance.”
“So, he wants to give more than 100% to be at peace with himself and see what happens.”
Upcoming Contract Developments and Team Prospects
Maverick Vinales is set to become a free agent at the end of this year due to his expiring contract with KTM. There is strong speculation that he could take over Pedro Acosta’s position in KTM’s factory team, while Alex Marquez is also reportedly in discussions to join the Austrian manufacturer. This potential lineup change adds another element of pressure and opportunity for Vinales as he seeks to demonstrate his killer mentality under Lorenzo’s guidance.
The effort to reignite Vinales’ competitive edge is significant as it may define the trajectory of his remaining years in MotoGP, with the coming seasons potentially being his last chance to challenge at the highest level. Lorenzo’s involvement brings invaluable experience and insight that could help the rider make the most of this critical phase in his career.
