Maverick Vinales Critiques MotoGP Contracts Amid Injury Struggles

Maverick Vinales has expressed concerns regarding MotoGP contracts that require riders to compete even when injured, as he continues to race in Australia despite not fully recovering from a shoulder injury.

Vinales has faced ongoing issues with his left shoulder since a crash in 2025, which resulted in a dislocated shoulder and subsequent surgeries. He has struggled with his performance this season, accumulating only six points and missing seven races, which has jeopardized his position for the next season.

This weekend marks his farewell to Phillip Island, a circuit where he has historically excelled. However, he has experienced significant pain and restricted movement, leading to a disappointing performance. Vinales emphasized that his contract with KTM forces him to race to avoid salary deductions, a situation he believes needs to be addressed by the riders' association.