Maverick Viñales is facing a decisive moment in his MotoGP career. Further examinations of his injured shoulder could lead him to stop racing immediately. The Tech3 KTM rider has said he will walk away if the results show that the injury is not getting better or is more serious than previously believed.

The problem began with a crash at the German Grand Prix last July and continues to affect Viñales during the 2026 season. He returned in Japan after sitting out four races following the summer break, yet his physical condition has not made the progress required for a competitive return. Qatar brought a 13th-place finish among 16 starters, a difficult outcome after he had challenged for victory at Lusail the previous year.

The shoulder issue also has direct consequences for 2027. Viñales had initially been linked with a move to KTM’s factory squad, but KTM changed direction after his difficult start to the season. Time away from the bike and his lack of performance then narrowed the alternatives available to him for the following year. Viñales has also said that a contract clause related to his pay had pushed him to keep racing despite his condition.

The ten-time MotoGP race winner is now considering either surgery or a gradual recovery programme at home. He has said that, without a realistic way to improve, he sees little point in riding at half speed. A Ducati test-rider position has also been associated with him, although no agreement has emerged. If he misses the final rounds in Portugal and Valencia, KTM is likely to call up test rider Pol Espargaró as his replacement.