Maverick Vinales denies reports he will be dropped by KTM

MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales has publicly dismissed reports that he will be dropped from the Tech3 KTM team ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix, calling the speculation "stupid articles without sense." The rumors, which circulated over the weekend, suggested KTM was actively seeking to replace the Spanish rider, potentially before the championship resumes at Silverstone on August 9.

Multiple reports indicated that team management was considering an immediate change due to a combination of Vinales' ongoing shoulder injury and escalating tensions between the rider and the team, particularly with Tech3 CEO Guenther Steiner. The proposed replacement was said to be test rider Pol Espargaro, who was reportedly asked to be ready for the British Grand Prix. The team's stated aim was to avoid a protracted public dispute during the final 11 races of the season.

Vinales addressed the situation directly on his Instagram story. He stated he was working with medical professionals at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre to understand the root of his shoulder injury, which he sustained in a crash at the Sachsenring in July 2025 and which has hampered his performance. He firmly denied...