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| Maverick Vinales Reveals His Biggest Career Mistake: Saying No to Ducati. |
Maverick Vinales Opens Up About His Biggest Regret in MotoGP: Turning Down Ducati Offer
If there's one word to describe Maverick Vinales’ journey in MotoGP, it would probably be rollercoaster. Since his debut in the premier class back in 2015, Vinales has raced for some of the biggest names in the sport—Suzuki, Yamaha, Aprilia, and now Tech3 KTM.
But interestingly, despite being one of the most experienced riders on the grid, there are only two factories he’s never ridden for: Honda and Ducati. And as it turns out, that second name—Ducati—is one of the biggest "what-ifs" of his career.
Vinales Turned Down a Ducati Seat in 2018
In a recent interview with Spanish outlet AS, Vinales shared that he once had the opportunity to join Ducati’s factory team in 2019 and 2020, alongside Andrea Dovizioso. The offer came just as Jorge Lorenzo was leaving to join Repsol Honda. But instead of taking the leap, Vinales chose to stay loyal to Yamaha.
"Yes, that’s my biggest regret in racing," Vinales admitted. "In 2018, Ducati offered me a seat on their factory team. I was going to be Dovizioso’s teammate. I was convinced to make the move, but the people around me at that time convinced me to stay with Yamaha and try to win there. It was a total mistake. A complete error."
The Domino Effect on His Career
At the time, Ducati was already on an upward trajectory—and it only got better from there. Meanwhile, Vinales’ relationship with Yamaha started to deteriorate. In 2021, things hit a breaking point. He exited mid-season and lost a two-year contract reportedly worth around €17 million (approximately IDR 296 billion).
But every dark cloud has a silver lining. That same year, Aprilia gave him a second chance, offering him a seat for the final six races of 2021. Vinales stuck with the Italian team for three full seasons, and in 2024, he achieved a historic win at Circuit of the Americas (COTA)—making him the first rider to win races with three different manufacturers in MotoGP.
New Chapter with KTM, but the “What If” Remains
In 2025, Vinales is racing with Tech3 KTM, adjusting to the RC16 machine. He even made it to the podium in Qatar, though a tire pressure penalty later pushed him down to P14.
So, what if he had taken the Ducati offer?
"I have no idea," Vinales said. "Maybe I would’ve gone to Ducati, crashed, gotten injured, and never raced again. You just don’t know."
"But what’s clear is that fate brought me here, to KTM. I’ve evolved as a person and a rider, and I love that. I’m proud of where I am now, and I’m proud to represent my family—Raquel, Nina, and Blanca. I always tell myself: You are the face of your family. I want people to admire us for the values we carry."
It’s Not About Titles Anymore—It’s About Peace of Mind
Vinales also reflected on how his mindset has changed over the years.
“If I had this mentality back in 2018 and joined Ducati, maybe I’d have three or four titles by now,” he said. “But happiness and peace of mind matter more.”
“When you’re at peace, everything falls into place. Things work out when you're calm and not trying to force it. Just the other day in Mugello, I told myself, ‘If today’s not the day, wait for a better one.’ And now I’m hungry to win.”
Maverick Vinales’ story is a powerful reminder of how one decision can shape an entire career. Saying no to Ducati may have cost him championship titles, but it led him to personal growth, inner peace, and historic achievements. His journey shows that success in MotoGP isn’t just about trophies—it’s also about resilience, reflection, and finding purpose beyond the podium.
If you're a fan of MotoGP or just love comeback stories, Vinales’ evolution is one to watch closely this season. Stay tuned—because this rider’s story is far from over.