'KTM is exploring ways to fire MotoGP rider ahead of the British Grand Prix'

Viñales' time at KTM Tech3 started positively in the 2025 season, but since suffering a mid-season injury, he has struggled to deliver. He currently sits 20th in the riders' standings, with his best result being 11th place at the Catalonian Grand Prix.

According to Motorsport.com, KTM is considering dropping Viñales before the upcoming British Grand Prix, and the team has asked Pol Espargaro to be ready.

The Austrian brand would like to avoid risking a war of words during the second half of the season and is currently looking for a way to remove Viñales without hurting the team's image or finances.

The Spaniard has previously criticized his team during the Dutch Grand Prix. "If I’m not racing in the world championship next year, there’s only one party responsible and that’s KTM," Viñales said to GPblog, among others. "They should have just released me. Then I would have figured out my options myself."

Viñales’ critical remarks did not go unanswered either. Tech3 boss Guenther Steiner did not agree with his rider’s comments. "I don't know the exact details of what happened there. These were all things that were done before I came. But I think the comments are a little bit strong from Maverick's side because, obviously, as a team, you always look for performance. And at the moment, Maverick is not giving the performance he was giving a few years ago when he joined KTM."

At the German Grand Prix, Viñales continued: "Nothing helps me. Now I need the affection of the team to support me, and instead, I only get beaten. It's very difficult to keep pushing when you're in pain and unmotivated; it's really complicated. I insist: just when I need a push from the team, it feels like they're putting a foot down my neck."

It has already been confirmed that Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio will ride for the KTM factory team next year. The seats at Tech3 have yet to be decided.