After attempting to deliberately damage the engine of his M1 in the final laps of the Styrian GP at the Red Bull Ring, Yamaha blocked Vinales and withdrew from the following Austrian GP.
Vinales later publicly apologized to Yamaha, blaming increasing frustration with his situation during the race and Yamaha in general for his actions.
The nine-time MotoGP race winner was due to part ways with Yamaha at the end of the 2021 season after requesting early termination of his two-year contract as the relationship between the two parties crumbled beyond repair throughout the campaign.
On Wednesday Motorsport.com reported that Yamaha would not allow Vinales to compete in the British GP next weekend, but Yamaha have now confirmed that the two parties have split with immediate effect.
Yamaha CEO Lin Jarvis said: “In Assen, Yamaha and Vinales have already announced the joint decision to shorten their original program from 2021-2022 and complete it at the end of 2021.
“Both the driver and the team are committed to continuing until the end of the current season, with the team guaranteeing their full support and the driver going out of their way to ensure that we can complete the project ‘in style’.
“Unfortunately the race at the Styrian GP did not go well or ended well and so, after careful consideration by both sides, the joint decision was made that it would be better for both sides if we ended the partnership earlier.
“The early separation gives the driver the freedom to pursue his chosen future direction and also enables the team to concentrate on the remaining races of the 2021 season with a replacement driver who has yet to be determined.
“I would like to sincerely thank Yamaha Maverick.
“Yamaha will continue to cherish the good memories and appreciate the work that both sides have spent together over the 4.5 years that have brought us 8 race wins, 24 podiums and two third places in the 2017 and 2019 overall rider rankings.
“We wish Maverick all the best in his future endeavors.”
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Although a replacement rider “has not yet been determined”, Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow will ride the works bike at Silverstone, while Moto2 rider Jake Dixon will make his MotoGP debut at Petronas SRT as Franco Morbidelli’s injury replacement at Silverstone.
Vinales, who joined Yamaha in 2017 and won eight of his nine wins with the brand, said in a press release that he will “always have great respect” for Yamaha.
This is the first time that a rider has left a team with immediate effect since KTM ousted the outgoing Johann Zarco from the works team after the 2019 San Marino GP.
Vinales will join Aprilia in 2022 after signing a one-year deal with the Italian brand with an option for 2023.
His sudden end to his ties with Yamaha gives him the freedom to race elsewhere when the opportunity arises.