Facing a MotoGP crisis? Brad Binder, after dominating KTM for years, experienced a shockingly tough 2025 season. He plummeted from a promising fourth to a disappointing eleventh in the world championship. What went wrong? Let's dive in.
Binder's struggles were particularly pronounced, finishing behind his new teammate, Pedro Acosta, due to the KTM RC16 not meshing with his aggressive riding style. A series of front-end crashes, especially during time attacks, not only hindered his performance but also damaged his confidence, forcing a major reassessment of his approach.
"Whenever I put in big efforts, that’s when my problems really show up," Binder explained. He's now forced to find a way to be fast while adopting a "low G" riding style.
Crash.net: How does Binder view this challenging season?
Brad Binder: He hopes it's just a temporary setback, a difficult year he can learn from.
Crash.net: Were the issues consistent, or did they change each weekend?
Brad Binder: He struggled with frequent front-end crashes, which eroded his confidence. While they seem to have improved the front-end stability, regaining speed is still a work in progress.
Crash.net: When did these front-end problems begin?
Brad Binder: The issues were present for much of the 2024 season, though he could still be fast when needed. This year, it's been more difficult, but they've found a balance that helps keep the front end planted.
Crash.net: What about the chatter heard during the season?
Brad Binder: Chatter is a separate issue, sometimes appearing unexpectedly.
Crash.net: Qualifying was a challenge this season. Was it due to chatter, front-end confidence, or a mix of factors?
Brad Binder: Qualifying has always been a weakness, but this year was particularly bad. The main issue is that his problems surface when he pushes for a top performance. He needs to find a way to be fast with a "low G" riding style, which is a significant challenge.
Crash.net: So, he can't force the bike to perform?
Brad Binder: He needs to find a way to be fast in a good way. His usual approach of pushing hard doesn't work anymore.
Crash.net: Should the qualifying format change?
Brad Binder: It's a format he has to adapt to, even if it hasn't worked in his favor.
Crash.net: How did Maverick's riding style influence the KTM?
Brad Binder: Maverick's style has shown how another riding style can work on the KTM.
Crash.net: Is he confident in finding the right feeling for the 2026 bike?
Brad Binder: He understands the bike much better now, and his riding style has evolved. He's moving in a positive direction.
Crash.net: What's one area he wants to improve for the 2026 machine?
Brad Binder: He wants to reduce wheel spin when lifting the bike out of corners to improve drive.
And this is the part most people miss... Binder's experience highlights the constant evolution required in MotoGP. His shift in approach underscores the importance of adapting to the bike's characteristics and finding the optimal riding style. But here's where it gets controversial... Does this shift indicate a necessary change in the sport, or is it a sign of a deeper issue with the bike's design? What do you think about Binder's struggles and his need to change his riding style? Share your thoughts in the comments!
