The MotoGP 2025 season began with an earthquake, and Pedro Acosta, the young Spanish talent of the Red Bull Ktm Factory Racing, is at the center of the storm. After the pre-installation tests in Jerez, concluded on April 18, 2025, Acosta shaken the paddock with a bold statement: “Ktm should wonder if I have to stay faithful or change team.” These words, reported by AS, arrive at a critical moment for the Austrian company, struggling with technical and financial difficulties that have questioned the MotoGP project. The phrase of Acosta, pronounced with the safety of those who know they are a rough diamond, has turned on speculation on its future, with Honda and the VR46 ducati team already at the window.
Acosta, 20 years old, was the revelation of 2024 with Gasgas Tech3, conquering six podiums and the sixth place in the championship. Promoted to the official KTM team for 2025, the “Tiburón de Mazarrón” expected a competitive RC16, but the tests showed persistent problems. In Jerez, Acosta closed in ninth place, six tenths from Marc Márquez, but the vibrations (chatter) and the lack of trust in the front of the bike have frustrated him. “It is the same bike as 2024, but the problems are worse. I don’t understand why the front gets stuck so often,” he told GPONE, stressing that the chatter afflicts all four KTM, not just his. The situation is aggravated by the financial crisis of KTM AG, which has reduced investments, slowing down development compared to rivals as Ducati.
The declaration of Acosta is not only an outlet, but a clear signal. His manager, Albert Valera, had already opened to “other alternatives” to Motorpasion Moto, citing attractive offers, such as that of Honda for a contract of 30 million euros in three years. The VR46 team, with a potentially free place if Franco Morbidelli does not renew, is another option. Acosta, however, does not completely close the door to KTM: “I hope things improve, but my job is to be competitive. I want a bike that allows me to win.” This ultimatum comes after a disappointing start to the season, with Acosta 13th in the standings after three games, on equal points with Enea Bastianini and behind his partner Brad Binder.
KTM is in a delicate position. The Motorsport Pit Beirer director reiterated the commitment for 2025, but the results speak clearly: in Qatar, Acosta closed 11th in the sprint for vibrations problems, while in Argentina it arrived eighth, complaining about the lack of progress. “I don’t like it, in Brad, Maverick nor in Enea,” he said Acosta in Corsedimoto, underlining the discontent of the KTM drivers, all with a high -level palmarès. Maverick Viñales, who has found a different configuration to Qatar, seems the only one to take steps forward, but Acosta is not convinced that he works for him: “I tried the Maverick setup, but leaves me without control,” he explained to Dazn.
The paddock is in turmoil. On X, Acosta fans encourage him to look for new opportunities, while others defend KTM, remembering the support given to the pilot from the minor categories. A post by @Formulapasssion called Jerez “decisive” for the future of Acosta, an opinion shared by many. Meanwhile, Red Bull, KTM sponsor, observes closely: the situation recalls the promotion of Verstappen in F1 in 2016, but Ktm cannot afford to lose his jewel. The comparison with Marc Márquez, who ACOSTRA admires and imitates, is inevitable: “Marc is the reference, I always follow him,” he said after an episode in Texas, where he copied the champion’s strategy.
With the Spanish GP behind the doors, on April 27, KTM has little time to react. The private tests in Misano with Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaró have not brought definitive solutions, and Acosta asks for a radical change: “We have to work as a team, not only for me.” His loyalty is in the balance, and the pilot market is ready to explode. If KTM does not find answers, the “Tiburón” could soon swim towards new waters, leaving the Austrian company to question its future in MotoGP.
