MXGP rider market: Who is out of contract after 2026?

As the 2026 MXGP season unfolds, attention is turning to the rider market ahead of 2027, with several notable contracts set to expire. While last winter’s off-season saw seismic shifts with Tim Gajser and Jeffrey Herlings switching manufacturers, a repeat of such dramatic moves is not anticipated. Nevertheless, the contracts of key figures including reigning world champion Romain Febvre, rising star Kay de Wolf, and other prominent riders are up for renewal, making the upcoming months critical for team compositions and the sport’s competitive landscape. Romain Febvre, who extended his contract with Kawasaki Racing Team for just one year, is entering another contract year despite approaching his mid-thirties. Kawasaki is expected to fight hard to keep their current MXGP World Champion, but rumours persist of interest from Triumph, which is preparing to enter MXGP with a factory team. Meanwhile, Kay de Wolf, a former MX2 World Champion and Husqvarna protégé, faces potential offers from rival manufacturers, though he is widely expected to remain within the KTM Group for the foreseeable future despite his expressed desire to race in America. Other riders with uncertain futures include Lucas Coenen, who, while contracted to KTM for 2027, is linked with a move to the United States, potentially opening up budget and opportunities for KTM to retain talents like de Wolf. Maxime Renaux, currently with Yamaha, may attract renewed interest from Ducati, who pursued him last year, while Ruben Fernandez’s place at Honda HRC Petronas depends on whether the team maintains its three-rider MXGP structure beyond 2026. Several other riders, such as Pauls Jonass, Alberto Forato, and Calvin Vlaanderen, are also at pivotal points in their contracts, with extensions or transfers likely to be influenced by their performances this season. The implications of these contract decisions extend beyond individual careers, as manufacturers strategise to build competitive line-ups for the coming years. With some riders recovering from injuries and others showing promising form, teams face balancing continuity with fresh talent acquisition. The 2026 season thus serves as a crucial juncture, shaping the MXGP paddock’s composition and potentially influencing the sport’s competitive dynamics well into the late 2020s. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely as negotiations and announcements unfold in the months ahead.