Miguel Oliveira, the talented Portuguese MotoGP rider known for claiming five victories, recently revealed his emotional exit from the championship during an interview at Misano with MOW Mag. As he prepares to leave the MotoGP grid in 2026, Oliveira remains composed despite the heartbreak of losing his seat. Addressing his unrealized potential, he declared,
I am better than what I have been able to show,
highlighting the frustration behind his departure.
Recent Challenges and Career Uncertainties
Oliveira’s final seasons in MotoGP were overshadowed by a string of misfortunes, including crashes and missed races, which culminated in Yamaha Pramac’s difficult decision to replace him with younger talents Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jack Miller. Now at a pivotal juncture, Oliveira faces limited options: either transition into the Superbike World Championship as a frontrunner or continue in MotoGP in a testing capacity. The pressure surrounding his future has never been more intense.
Resilience and Reflection Amid Career Setback
Even with the setback, Oliveira’s attitude remains steadfast. He confesses,
It hurts not to continue the project,
yet resists assigning blame. He added,
I don’t want to prove anything. I’m not here to send messages like ‘you made a mistake.’ It saddens me not to continue for another year, especially with the upcoming rule changes, but I’ve worked with fantastic people at Yamaha, and that’s what I’ll cherish.
These remarks underscore his resilience and gratitude for the relationships he developed within his team.
The Untold Impact of Physical Struggles and Lack of Media Focus
Beyond his results on the track, Oliveira shared his frustration over the absence of media attention on the physical challenges and bad luck that affected his season. He stated,
I think my bad luck wasn’t on the agenda,
and emphasized,
As my MotoGP options dwindle, I must emphasize how much those two accidents have impacted me.
Oliveira also urged MotoGP’s promoters to highlight riders’ human stories, saying,
Dorna, now Liberty Media, could do more to share the pilots’ stories. I’m no marketing expert, but MotoGP must be marketed emotionally. Behind every rider, there are real people, and that should be showcased.
What Lies Ahead: Oliveira’s Determined Outlook on His Motorsport Future
At just 30 years old and with extensive experience at the top level, Miguel Oliveira refuses to consider his competitive racing career over. Whether he moves into Superbike or takes on a MotoGP testing role, his composed outlook signals readiness for future challenges. He confidently stated,
My story is not finished yet,
leaving fans and the motorsport world eager to witness the next chapter of his journey.
