Pedro Acosta’s debut season in MotoGP during 2025 was marked by a series of mistakes and missed chances despite his raw speed and willingness to challenge veteran riders like Marc Marquez. From the beginning, he demonstrated remarkable pace but his frequent crashes and inconsistent performances prevented him from translating that speed into regular podium finishes. Even as recently as the Hungarian Grand Prix, Acosta admitted to needing to curb his aggression after a crash in qualifying cost him a potential front-row start.
Improved Stability and Technical Upgrades Boost KTM’s Performance
Alongside Acosta’s evolving skills, KTM experienced significant changes that helped stabilize their race program. The takeover by Bajaj introduced newfound stability in Mattighofen, and a technical upgrade launched in Austria transformed the RC16, making it a consistent podium contender. These developments have coincided with a visible maturity in Acosta’s approach, with the young Spaniard now focused heavily on race consistency rather than sheer aggression.
Acosta Embraces Team Leadership Amidst Strong KTM Showing
With teammate Brad Binder struggling to match expectations, Acosta has stepped up as KTM’s de facto team leader in the factory squad. His role is crucial not only in securing points but also in guiding KTM’s progression, even if it means allowing rivals like Enea Bastianini on a Tech3 RC16 to slip past him for a podium finish. Reflecting on his recent finishes, Acosta expressed satisfaction with steady point-scoring results despite narrowly missing out on a podium due to a tire choice.
P4 again, we have to be happy, because we had a really solid weekend,
he said on Sunday.
A lot of good points and a lot of improvement for the team. Also, I’m super happy for KTM that [it] put a bike on the podium for the fourth weekend in a row [counting sprints]. Happy about the weekend.
—Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Mindset Changes: Acosta’s Shift Towards Consistency and Long-Term Growth
Acosta openly acknowledged a significant change in his mindset during the past few months, which has had a positive effect on both his riding and KTM’s performance. He described the current period as building a “solid foundation,” contrasting sharply with his earlier frustration and recklessness, such as his tendency to react angrily after setbacks.
I feel that for the first time we are creating a very solid foundation,
Acosta said, adding,
Three months ago, Pedro would have thrown the bike into the stands and said, ‘Guys, you stay there.’ Do you understand what I mean?
He further elaborated on the team’s progress and his outlook on the season, emphasizing the importance of limiting mistakes and focusing on circuits that suit his riding style.
I think we’re laying the groundwork, we’re not making a lot of mistakes in the race. I may be lacking, I knew Montmelo was going to be tough, but now we’re coming to a nice part of the season, with circuits that I like and we’re doing well. It’s time to build the future.
KTM’s Strong Run Elevates Them in the Constructors’ Championship
The recent resurgence of KTM is evident in their podium finishes, with an RC16 appearing in the top three in four consecutive weekends when including sprint races. This consistency has propelled KTM to just two points behind Aprilia in the constructors’ championship fight for the best position behind Ducati’s dominance. The team’s sustained competitiveness reflects both the bike’s upgrades and Acosta’s matured race craft.
Acosta’s Goals Focus on Consistency and Top-Five Finishes
While podium results remain a goal, Acosta recognizes that regularly finishing in the top five is the key to building championship-caliber performance. He aims to maintain this level of competitiveness throughout the remaining races of the season, combining steady speed with a more measured approach.
I want to be, in every session I can, from the start of the summer until the end of the year, in the top five,
Acosta stated. He acknowledged the challenges posed by formidable rivals such as Marc and Alex Marquez, as well as Marco Bezzecchi, noting the high level of competition around him.
It’s important to be consistent. Last year I made a lot of mistakes, and now I have to find the consistency I lacked last year.
From Defiant Aggression to Measured Determination
Acosta’s current mindset contrasts sharply with his attitude a year earlier in Japan, when despite securing pole position he crashed out of both races and declared he would not accept Ducati’s superiority, even if it meant risking more crashes. That earlier defiance has evolved into a more balanced and experienced perspective, contributing to his and KTM’s renewed success.
I’m not going to accept that the Ducati is better than the KTM, even if that leads to me crashing some more times,
he said at the time.
