Maverick Vinales withdraws from US GP as Germany injury lingers on

Motorsport photo Tech3 rider Maverick Vinales has withdrawn from the remainder of the United States Grand Prix due to lingering effects from an injury he suffered more than nine months ago. Although Vinales had completed the opening two rounds of the 2026 MotoGP season in Thailand and Brazil following a recovery period from his Sachsenring injury. Motorsport.

com reported earlier this week that the Spaniard was in significant pain after Goiania and his participation in the US GP was in doubt. As expected, Vinales used the opening practice session at Austin to assess his fitness level, and concluded that it was better to sit out the weekend. In a statement released just prior to the main practice session, Vinales also revealed that he will undergo a “minor procedure” in Europe to remove a screw that had become loose in his shoulder.

“Following further assessment with MotoGP’s medical advisor, Maverick Vinales has elected not to continue competing for the remainder of this weekend’s Grand Prix of the United States,” it said. “Maverick has been experiencing pain and limited power in his left shoulder and, following investigations earlier this week, it was discovered that a screw fitted after his Sachsenring injury last year has become displaced. “He will now travel back to Europe to undergo a minor procedure to remove the screw, with the intention of being fit to return for the Grand Prix of Spain.

” Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Speaking to DAZN, he added: "I’m fine, all things considered,” he told DAZN. “The issue with my shoulder is quite clear. After Brazil, I was in more pain than usual.