Imagine being offered a golden ticket, only to toss it away—and then realize years later that ticket could’ve taken you straight to the top. That’s pretty much what happened to Maverick Viñales, who recently opened up about what he now considers the biggest mistake of his MotoGP career: saying no to Ducati.
The Missed Opportunity That Haunts Vinales
In a recent interview with Diario AS, Vinales got candid about a major fork in the road back in 2018. At the time, he was still racing with Yamaha, and things weren’t exactly smooth sailing. But while trying to stay loyal and focused on improving results with the Japanese manufacturer, a tempting offer from Ducati landed on his table.
“That offer from Ducati was for two seasons—2019 and 2020,” Viñales said.
“Looking back now, it was a total mistake not to take it. A massive one.”
At the time, Ducati was steadily climbing the ranks as a top contender in MotoGP. Their bikes were fast, powerful, and constantly evolving. They had Andrea Dovizioso leading the charge and were looking for a strong second rider. That seat could’ve been Viñales’. Instead, he chose to stay with Yamaha.
What If? Vinales Thinks He Could’ve Been Champion
It’s the classic “what if” scenario, and Viñales isn’t afraid to admit that he could’ve won multiple world titles had he accepted Ducati’s offer.
“I think I could have won three or four titles with Ducati,” he said.
“Their bike suited my style perfectly. It was a real golden opportunity.”
Whether or not he’s right, one thing’s for sure—Ducati did go on to dominate. By 2020, they clinched the Constructors’ Championship. In 2022 and 2023, Pecco Bagnaia brought home the riders’ titles. That could’ve been Viñales, in a parallel MotoGP universe.
A Rollercoaster Career Since Then
Since turning down Ducati, Viñales’ career has taken a wild ride. After some ups and (mostly) downs at Yamaha, he parted ways with the team mid-season in 2021. He then jumped to Aprilia, making history as the first rider in the modern MotoGP era to podium with three different manufacturers (Suzuki, Yamaha, and Aprilia).
Fast forward to 2025, and Viñales is now with Red Bull GasGas Tech3, a KTM-backed satellite team. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, he’s still searching for that elusive consistency—and that first win in years.
Why It Still Matters
So, why does this story resonate with so many fans? Because it’s relatable. Who hasn’t made a decision they later regretted? In Viñales’ case, it’s not just any mistake—it’s the kind of misstep that could’ve changed the entire landscape of his career.
It also shows the brutal truth of elite motorsport: timing and team choices can make or break even the most talented riders.
Ducati’s Side of the Story?
Interestingly, Ducati hasn’t weighed in on this throwback revelation. But looking at how things turned out—success with Dovizioso, then Jack Miller, and eventually Bagnaia—it’s safe to say they did just fine.
Still, you can’t help but wonder how things would’ve looked with Maverick in red leathers, dancing on the Desmosedici through Mugello, Assen, or Misano.
Final Thoughts: Hindsight Is 20/20
Viñales’ story is a reminder that in MotoGP, as in life, the decisions you make off the track can matter just as much as what you do on it. He’s still an insanely talented rider with plenty left in the tank, but that Ducati ride might just be the one that got away.
And honestly? It’s kind of refreshing to hear a rider speak this openly about regret. It humanizes the sport—and the athletes we admire every race weekend.