In a shocking turn of events for the 2025 MotoGP season, KTM has announced that Brad Binder, one of their most prominent riders, has been demoted from the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team to the Red Bull KTM Tech3 satellite team. The decision, confirmed by KTM’s Motorsport Director Pit Beirer, follows a series of criticisms regarding Binder’s performance, with Beirer reportedly stating that the South African rider is no longer deemed suitable for the factory squad. This move has sent ripples through the MotoGP community, raising questions about KTM’s strategy and Binder’s future in the sport.
Brad Binder, a former Moto3 World Champion and the first South African to win a MotoGP race, has been a cornerstone of KTM’s MotoGP project since his debut in 2020. His landmark victory at the 2020 Czech Grand Prix marked KTM’s first win in the premier class, cementing his status as a key figure for the Austrian manufacturer. Over the years, Binder has been lauded for his aggressive riding style, exceptional adaptability, and consistent results, including a standout 2023 season where he secured fourth place in the championship—the highest non-Ducati rider. His contract, extended through 2026, underscored KTM’s faith in his potential to lead their title charge. However, the 2025 season has proven to be a challenging one for Binder, prompting this unexpected decision.
The emergence of Pedro Acosta, KTM’s prodigious talent, has significantly influenced this shake-up. Acosta, who made his MotoGP debut with the GasGas-branded Tech3 team in 2024, delivered an outstanding rookie season, securing nine podiums, including sprint races. His rapid adaptation to the premier class and undeniable potential have made him the focal point of KTM’s future plans. As a result, Acosta was promoted to the factory team for 2025, partnering with Binder initially. However, the arrival of high-profile signings Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales, both proven grand prix winners, has intensified competition within KTM’s rider lineup. With only two factory seats available, Binder’s lackluster 2025 season made him the odd man out.
Reports indicate that Beirer’s criticism of Binder stemmed from the rider’s struggles to match Acosta’s pace and capitalize on KTM’s 2025 RC16 prototype. Despite a promising sixth-place qualifying in Aragon, Binder’s season has been marred by crashes, including a high-speed incident at the same race, and a best result of only sixth in Jerez. Currently sitting 13th in the riders’ standings, Binder trails both Acosta and Viñales, with the latter showing superior adaptation to the KTM bike at Tech3. Beirer, in a statement during the Catalan Grand Prix, emphasized the need to “maximize overall potential” across KTM’s four MotoGP seats, hinting at a strategic reshuffle. His remarks suggested that Binder’s recent performances did not justify his continued presence in the factory team, a sentiment that has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
The demotion to Tech3, while a step down in status, does not necessarily spell the end of Binder’s career with KTM. Tech3, now sporting the Red Bull KTM livery, has evolved into a formidable outfit with near-identical machinery to the factory team. The presence of Bastianini and Viñales, both bringing extensive experience from Ducati and Aprilia, respectively, ensures that Tech3 is no longer a traditional satellite squad but a competitive platform. Binder’s move could provide him an opportunity to rebuild confidence and refine his approach, particularly with the RC16’s new balance challenges attributed to Michelin’s 2025 rear tire. His crew chief, Andres Madrid, has praised Binder’s unique ability to “reset and deliver,” suggesting that the South African could still shine in the right conditions.
KTM’s broader context adds complexity to this decision. The manufacturer has faced financial difficulties, with reports of a 27% sales drop and layoffs in 2024, leading to speculation about their MotoGP future beyond 2025. Despite these challenges, KTM remains committed to the 2025 season, with Beirer highlighting the strength of their revamped lineup. The addition of Bastianini and Viñales to Tech3, alongside Acosta’s promotion, signals KTM’s ambition to challenge Ducati’s dominance. However, Binder’s demotion raises questions about team morale and the pressure on riders to perform under intense scrutiny.
For Binder, this move is a test of resilience. His history of overcoming adversity—such as adapting to a problematic KTM chassis in Moto2—suggests he has the mental fortitude to rebound. Fans will be watching closely as he navigates this new chapter with Tech3, starting with the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Whether this demotion is a temporary setback or a career-defining moment remains to be seen, but Binder’s determination and talent will undoubtedly keep him in the spotlight.
