Brad Binder signed a contract extension with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing through the 2026 MotoGP season during the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. KTM officials said the extension continues their partnership, with Binder remaining on the KTM RC16 to pursue long-term goals, but no announcement confirmed he will exit MotoGP after 2026.
The deal, which covers the 2025 and 2026 seasons, was announced by KTM as an early renewal, extending Binder’s previous contract that was set to expire after the 2024 season, according to Motorsport.com and Motorsport-Total. This extension makes Binder one of the first riders with a confirmed deal beyond 2024, underscoring KTM’s intention to maintain continuity in its factory lineup.
The contract extension signed during the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, officially commits Brad Binder to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing through the end of the 2026 MotoGP season, KTM officials confirmed.
KTM’s official communication states that Binder “will remain in Red Bull KTM colors and onboard the KTM RC16; continuing a prosperous alliance that began in 2020.” The manufacturer emphasized Binder’s “skills and tenacity” and described the extension as part of a “long-term MotoGP future” with the South African rider. French motorsport coverage similarly reported KTM’s intention to stay “lier sur le long terme” (linked in the long term) with Binder through at least 2026.
Despite speculation in some opinion and analysis formats about Binder’s career prospects post-2026, no official announcement or statement from KTM or Binder confirms that he will exit MotoGP after his contract ends. Leading motorsport news outlets, including Motorsport.com, Crash.net, and Motorsport-Total, have only reported on Binder’s commitment to KTM through 2026 without mentioning any plans to leave the championship. KTM corporate communications also do not provide any verified information regarding Binder’s future beyond the 2026 season.
Binder made his MotoGP debut with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2020 and has been a consistent presence on the KTM RC16 since then. He is a 2016 Moto3 World Champion, a title that established him as a significant talent before moving up the classes. Since joining MotoGP, Binder has secured multiple Grand Prix race wins and podiums, including a notable victory as a rookie at the 2020 Czech Grand Prix. KTM has publicly highlighted his role as a lead rider and key development figure for the RC16, reflecting his competitive value to the manufacturer.
The extension through 2026 aligns with KTM’s broader strategy to maintain a stable and experienced rider lineup amid intense competition in MotoGP. KTM officials have framed Binder’s contract renewal as part of a long-term project with “big goals” for the team, emphasizing the importance of his contributions to bike development and race performance.
Some analysis and commentary, such as a 2025 season review video, portray Binder’s 2025 campaign as challenging, citing issues with bike feel and KTM’s financial constraints affecting development. However, such content is speculative and does not constitute verified information about Binder’s career decisions or intentions to leave MotoGP after 2026. No direct quotes from Binder indicate any plans to retire or exit the championship at the end of his current contract.
Born on August 11, 1995, in South Africa, Brad Binder has progressed through the Moto3 and Moto2 classes before establishing himself in MotoGP. His long-standing association with KTM, spanning multiple classes and years, makes him one of the brand’s most embedded riders in Grand Prix racing. By extending his contract through 2026, KTM has secured continuity in its factory team and technical development efforts during a period of significant competition among manufacturers.
As of the latest available information, Binder’s future in MotoGP beyond the 2026 season remains undefined in official sources. KTM and Binder have not released any statements outlining plans after the contract’s conclusion, leaving his post-2026 career status unconfirmed in the public record.
