The ever-changing landscape of MotoGP has once again been rocked by a bombshell announcement: KTM, the Austrian manufacturer known for its aggressive approach and impressive rise in the sport, is set to leave MotoGP by 2026. This news has sent shockwaves throughout the paddock, sparking intense reactions from key figures in the sport. With KTM’s exit looming large, the voices of two of the sport’s most prominent riders—Marc Marquez and Jack Miller—have added fuel to the fire, delivering brutal statements that highlight the intense tension surrounding KTM’s departure from the premier class of motorcycle racing.
For years, KTM has been one of the most exciting and innovative teams in MotoGP. Their rapid rise from a newcomer to a consistent competitor has been nothing short of impressive. KTM has invested heavily in the sport, developing their RC16 machine into a race-winning contender, and securing victories with riders like Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira. Their unique approach to development, combining cutting-edge technology with an aggressive, no-holds-barred racing philosophy, has earned them respect among their rivals.
However, in an unexpected and somewhat shocking move, KTM has announced that they will be exiting the MotoGP series by 2026. The reasons behind this decision have been shrouded in secrecy, but industry insiders believe that it is a result of several factors, including mounting financial pressures, challenges in achieving consistent podium finishes, and the increasing complexity of the sport’s technical regulations. KTM’s exit will mark the end of a brief but impactful era for the manufacturer, leaving many wondering what this means for the future of the MotoGP paddock.
Marc Marquez, the six-time MotoGP world champion and one of the sport’s most outspoken personalities, has been quick to respond to the news of KTM’s departure. Marquez, who has faced his own struggles with Honda in recent years, expressed his disappointment and frustration with the timing of KTM’s exit.
“Honestly, it’s a shame to see a manufacturer like KTM leave the championship,” Marquez said in a recent press interview. “They came in with a lot of ambition, they brought fresh energy to the grid, and they’ve been competitive at times. But now, just as the competition is getting stronger, they’re pulling out? It doesn’t make sense to me. MotoGP needs manufacturers who are in it for the long haul, who will continue to push the sport forward. KTM’s exit will create a huge gap, and I think it will be felt across the paddock.”
Marquez’s statement reflects the growing concern among riders about the potential consequences of KTM’s exit. For Marquez, KTM’s departure represents more than just a lost competitor—it’s a sign of how difficult it is for manufacturers to succeed in MotoGP’s fiercely competitive environment. The pressure to constantly evolve, innovate, and win is immense, and for KTM, it seems the cost has become too high.
Jack Miller, the Australian rider who has recently joined KTM after years with Ducati, also weighed in on the situation with a brutally honest assessment. Miller, known for his candid opinions and fiery personality, did not hold back in expressing his thoughts on KTM’s exit and the impact it will have on both the team and the riders.
“I’m frustrated, to be honest,” Miller admitted. “When I signed with KTM, I did it because I believed in their project. I saw the potential in the bike, the team, and the direction they were heading in. But now, with this exit, it feels like we’ve all been let down. The commitment just isn’t there anymore, and that hurts. The riders are the ones who will bear the brunt of this decision. We’re left trying to figure out where we’re going next, and that’s not a position any rider wants to be in.”
Miller’s frustration highlights the uncertainty and tension that now surrounds KTM’s departure. For the riders, the timing of KTM’s exit couldn’t be worse. With just a few years remaining before the manufacturer leaves, the team and its riders are left to navigate an uncertain future, with many now questioning where they will end up once KTM pulls out of MotoGP.
KTM’s decision to leave MotoGP in 2026 is more than just a loss for the Austrian manufacturer—it could have far-reaching consequences for the entire sport. As one of the few manufacturers that has brought fresh innovation and excitement to the grid, KTM’s exit leaves a noticeable void in the MotoGP ecosystem.
One immediate concern is the impact on the team’s riders. With the clock ticking down to 2026, many riders on the KTM roster, including Brad Binder, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira, are now left facing an uncertain future. With the competitive landscape already crowded with talented riders and factory teams, the departure of KTM could cause a shift in the rider market. Will these riders find seats with other top teams, or will they be forced to settle for lesser opportunities? The question of where KTM’s riders will land after 2026 is one that will keep fans and industry insiders guessing in the years to come.
Furthermore, KTM’s departure raises questions about the future of MotoGP itself. The sport has worked hard in recent years to attract new manufacturers and maintain its global appeal. With KTM exiting, there is a risk that other manufacturers may reconsider their involvement in the series. As manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, and Ducati continue to dominate the sport, the departure of a team like KTM signals the potential for a shrinking grid, which could make it harder for emerging talents to break into the premier class.
While KTM’s departure is certainly a blow to the sport, it also opens up opportunities for other teams and manufacturers. As the 2026 season draws closer, all eyes will be on how the MotoGP landscape shifts in response to KTM’s exit. Will other manufacturers rise to fill the gap, or will MotoGP have to adapt to a smaller, more competitive grid?
For Marquez, Miller, and the other riders affected by this move, the next few years will be crucial. With KTM’s exit on the horizon, they will need to find new homes and continue to pursue their championship dreams, while also navigating the uncertainty of the shifting landscape.
One thing is for certain: the MotoGP paddock will not be the same without KTM. As the sport looks toward the future, the tension surrounding KTM’s departure will only intensify, making the 2025 and 2026 seasons some of the most unpredictable and high-stakes in recent memory.
KTM’s shock announcement that they will exit MotoGP in 2026 has sent ripples through the entire paddock. With figures like Marc Marquez and Jack Miller expressing their frustration and disappointment, the decision has raised serious questions about the future of both the team and the sport. As the clock ticks down to KTM’s final season, the pressure is mounting on both the manufacturer and its riders to make the most of their remaining time in MotoGP. In a sport that thrives on competition, innovation, and drama, KTM’s departure is yet another reminder of how quickly things can change, and how high the stakes truly are.
