Maverick Vinales has opened up about his turbulent exit from Yamaha, expressing a sense of “regret” over his decision to leave the team during the tumultuous 2021 MotoGP season. The 10-time grand prix winner, who had made headlines since swapping Suzuki for Yamaha in 2017, reflected on his controversial choice to join Aprilia, revealing that he believes he “would’ve gained more by staying.”
Vinales burst onto the scene at Yamaha with remarkable fervor, clinching three victories in his debut year. However, as time progressed, the magic seemed to fade, and he struggled to find the same success, with his next win only coming in late 2018. The cracks began to show in 2021 as tensions reached a boiling point, leading to an acrimonious split between the rider and the manufacturer, particularly after a shocking incident where he attempted to deliberately damage his Yamaha engine during the Styrian Grand Prix.
In the aftermath of that fallout, Vinales joined Aprilia for the latter part of the 2021 season, committing to the brand through 2024 before eventually making a switch to Tech3 KTM. Reflecting on his journey, Vinales candidly discussed his time with Yamaha during a podcast with his new rider coach, Jorge Lorenzo. He admitted that while he craved “a change of scenery,” the choice to move to Aprilia may not have been the wisest decision.
Vinales recounted the mixed emotions of being teammates with the legendary Valentino Rossi, describing the experience as both “fun and surprising.” He noted the surreal feeling of outpacing his idol, despite the challenges that came with it. “Valentino was super charismatic,” he said, acknowledging the profound impact Rossi had on the Yamaha team and the sport at large.
He also touched on the struggles within the team dynamics, particularly in 2018 when Yamaha deviated from his preferred direction regarding the bike’s engine and chassis. Vinales pointed out that while he had standout performances, including a strong race at Phillip Island, the overall experience was fraught with difficulties. “I kind of regret not staying with Yamaha in 2021 and choosing Aprilia,” he lamented, emphasizing that he felt he would have benefited more by staying put.
Reflecting on his early years with Yamaha, Vinales expressed disappointment in missing what he believed was his golden opportunity to contend for a world title. He remembered the Valencia test where he excelled on a bike similar to Lorenzo’s and felt ready to race. “I felt it was my chance,” he remarked, recalling how he set a track record in Sepang during a single day of testing.
Despite the initial promise and early victories, Vinales acknowledged that subsequent tire changes and grip issues complicated his trajectory, leaving him to ponder the choices that led him down a path of uncertainty. As he forges ahead in his career, the echoes of regret linger, a reminder of the highs and lows that come with the fierce competition of MotoGP.
