Maverick Viñales, the skilled rider for Red Bull Tech3 KTM, has disclosed that his full recovery from a severe shoulder injury will not be achieved until the 2026 preseason. The update on Maverick Viñales recovery update comes after a serious crash during the Q2 session of the German Grand Prix on July 12, which led to surgery and an ongoing rehabilitation process.
Since the injury, Viñales has been balancing intense physical therapy with riding sessions, emphasizing that the only way to properly rebuild the muscles necessary for MotoGP performance is through actual track time. He has steadily worked on his shoulder following the San Marino Grand Prix and an official test at Misano, utilizing a brief period of rest to aid healing.
Current Progress and Challenges in Rehabilitation
Viñales described the recovery phase as both demanding and incremental. Reflecting on his recent efforts, he stated,
“This break has been beneficial for my recovery. At the Misano test, I completed numerous laps, pushing my shoulder to the limit. I needed a couple of days to bounce back, but it’s feeling significantly better now compared to before San Marino,”
highlighting gradual improvement in strength and endurance.
Despite progress, Viñales admits the recovery journey is complicated by the specific demands of circuits like Motegi, which requires intense braking and numerous right turns—movements that put additional strain on his shoulder. These challenges require careful management to avoid setbacks as he prepares for upcoming races.
Adapting Training and Managing Physical Limits
Since the test at Misano, Viñales has shifted focus from strength training to enhancing his shoulder’s mobility. He revealed,
“Since Misano, I haven’t touched weights, just focusing on mobility. My shoulder was fatigued, and I needed to give it a rest,”
showing his commitment to preventing further injury while improving flexibility.
He also reported decreased stiffness and pain, allowing for more comfortable riding sessions. However, the condition of his shoulder remains delicate, especially due to labrum damage that tightens the joint.
“I have a bike at home and try to get comfortable, but it hurts a lot. The joint needs to loosen up. The real issue lies with the points I have in my labrum, which keep it very stiff and require time to relax and gain mobility,”
Viñales explained.
Commitment to Continued Recovery Through Riding
Viñales stresses that remaining on his bike is the most effective way to speed recovery, despite the discomfort.
“I won’t hold back because the more training I do, the faster I’ll recover. I have my usual race weekend plan, and if my shoulder needs a break, I’ll assess it then. But now is the time to push harder and see how it reacts,”
he confirmed.
He also recognizes the risks involved. Pushing too hard could lead to inflammation and a decrease in mobility, which impacts performance on the track.
“If I push too hard, it inflames, and I lose four or five degrees of movement. I have to be cautious to prevent inflammation, which sometimes happens during races, leaving me unable to position myself for optimal performance on the straights,”
Viñales acknowledged.
Outlook for the Rest of the Season and Beyond
With several demanding races still ahead, including Phillip Island and Portimao, Viñales remains realistic but hopeful about his timeline. The doctors have advised him that he will not reach full fitness until the next preseason in early 2026. He shared,
“No doubt, some challenging circuits are ahead. But the doctors have told me I won’t be 100% until the preseason next year in February. Fortunately, I don’t need to be at my peak to ride well. As long as I can get into a normal position in left turns, it’ll make a significant difference.”
As Maverick Viñales faces this prolonged recovery period, fans and the racing community await to see if his determination will lead to a strong comeback. His willingness to confront pain and adhere to a strict recovery plan underscores his commitment to remaining competitive in MotoGP despite the uncertain timetable.
