Vinales was suspended by Yamaha after the Styrian GP last weekend for allegedly attempting to purposely blow up the engine of his motorcycle.
Since the announcement of his suspension and his withdrawal from the Austrian GP this weekend, both Yamaha and Vinales have remained silent on the matter.
In an interview with Sky Italy on Saturday at the Red Bull Ring at his first media appearance since the announcement, Vinales said his behavior was driven by a “great moment of frustration” for his loss of form at the newly started Styrian race.
Before the red flag on lap three, Vinales ran well at the Styrian GP.
But he was forced to start from the pit lane when he stalled his bike to restart and struggled last, before eventually ending up in the pit lane where he intentionally over-revved his engine.
“I am very sad because it is a very strange situation,” said Vinales.
“It is really difficult to be in this situation right now and I am fortunate to have people who are there for me during this very difficult time.
“It was a very frustrating moment because the first part of the race was perfect and I got off to a good start in the second part of the season.
“Then everything went wrong and there was an explosion inside me that I couldn’t properly channel.
“I apologize to Yamaha for doing wrong on the last few laps, so I want to apologize to everyone.”
Yamaha felt that Vinales behavior not only endangered himself but could have endangered those around him, but the Spaniard insists that it was not his intention.
“I have so much desire to win but I haven’t felt comfortable in a long time,” added Vinales.
“I tried, but in the end this frustration made me drive in a way I shouldn’t have driven, but at no point did I intend to endanger anyone.
“We have had a very long partnership, but the last few days have been really difficult for me.
“As I said earlier, I would like to apologize to Yamaha because it wasn’t my intention to end like this.
“I just want to give 100%: Now I’m living in a difficult moment, but I want to come out stronger.”
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Yamaha says it will continue to debate whether Vinales will compete again this season but the Spaniard currently has no idea what his immediate future will bring back strong and with everything in place.
“That was Yamaha’s decision, which I respect and accept because I’m still a Yamaha rider.”
All of this is because Vinales’ relationship with Yamaha deteriorated irreparably during a largely tough 2021 campaign until the rider decided to end his current two-year deal in late 2021.
Last week Vinales apologized to his fans for his subdued behavior during the team celebrations after finishing second in the Dutch TT.
Vinales is expected to join Aprilia next season, while Petronas SRT’s Franco Morbidelli will be promoted to take his place on the Yamaha factory team.