Moments before the start of every MotoGP race, the grid becomes a high-pressure stage where rituals unfold between riders and their crews, notably seen between Pedro Acosta and his crew chief, Paul Trevathan. These MotoGP grid rituals, crucial for setting the stage, offer an inside look at the technical and emotional support that drives riders to perform at their best when the stakes are highest.
The Guidance and Assurance Behind the Rituals
Fans watching from around the world often see Paul Trevathan, Pedro Acosta’s crew chief at Red Bull KTM, leaning in to share serious words as Acosta prepares on the grid. These exchanges are far more than just last-minute pep talks. Trevathan explained that this interaction is all about going through a pre-race checklist, ensuring that the technical plan for the upcoming race is clear and that every procedure for the start and warm-up lap is fresh in Acosta’s mind.
Acosta usually remains focused and communicates non-verbally, responding to Trevathan’s instructions with a series of nods, indicating his readiness and trust in the process. This ritual has become a signature part of Acosta and Trevathan’s working relationship, with Trevathan emphasizing its importance in reinforcing their connection just before the lights go out.
“This is our little thing that we do. We have a little intense moment on that grid, but it’s something we have always done.”
— Paul Trevathan, Crew Chief
More Than Strategy: Providing Support in an Isolating Moment
While much of the grid talk centers around reminders and race plans, Trevathan also highlights its role in providing crucial emotional support to riders.
“It’s showing I’m there for him; he’s not alone,”
— Paul Trevathan, Crew Chief
The moments before a MotoGP race can feel deeply isolating for riders, as they prepare to face both physical and mental challenges alone on the track. Trevathan underscores the tough nature of the sport, pointing out the unseen pressures and the sometimes overwhelming scrutiny from media and expectations after a race.
“People forget that it’s a bloody tough sport out there.”
— Paul Trevathan, Crew Chief
For young riders like Acosta, who turned his challenging start to the 2025 season into a series of twelve podium finishes and a strong run to fourth place in the world championship, this hands-on support can prove vital.
Other Approaches: Santi Hernandez and Joan Mir’s Grid Conversations
Different crew chiefs bring their own style to these key grid moments. For example, Santi Hernandez, previously Marc Marquez’s lead technician at Honda and now working with Joan Mir, is known for his intense focus.
Joan Mir revealed a lighter side to their pre-race routines, joking that Hernandez tends to be more nervous than the rider himself. Mir noted that their main strategic discussions typically happen before reaching the grid, leaving their grid conversations concise and specific to immediate race details.
“But normally with Santi we just speak about things like, which tyres have been chosen by the other riders, and about any last-minute changes.”
— Joan Mir, Rider
Understanding the Impact of Grid Rituals in MotoGP
The rituals and conversations happening moments before the start signal are integral parts of MotoGP culture, offering both practical reminders and vital emotional reassurance. The unique bond between a rider like Pedro Acosta and his crew chief Paul Trevathan, or the dynamic between Joan Mir and Santi Hernandez, highlight just how much is invested in every performance on race day. As these rituals continue, fans gain a deeper appreciation for the layers of teamwork and preparation required long before the first corner is even reached.
