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Scott Redding questions if nationality keeps Alex Rins in MotoGP

Originally posted on HITC | By Tyler Rowlinson | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 4:51 PM ET

Rins’ place on the grid is under threat, and Redding isn’t impressed with how he’s held onto his seat

Alex Rins’ future in MotoGP beyond 2026 looks uncertain, and Scott Redding believes he has a ride because of his passport.

The Spaniard first broke into the championship in 2017 with Suzuki and was a front-runner at times, often fighting for podiums. His best season came in 2020 when he finished third overall.

Since then, though, things haven’t gone to plan. After Suzuki pulled out of MotoGP at the end of 2022, Rins signed with LCR Honda but suffered a leg break in 2023 and hasn’t really looked himself since.

He’s still seen using a crutch around the paddock and has not finished higher than seventh since signing for Yamaha in 2024. That’s led to former MotoGP and WSBK rider Scott Redding questioning why he still holds down a factory seat.

Scott Redding questions whether nationality is keeping Alex Rins in MotoGP

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The MotoGP grid has long been dominated by Spanish and Italian riders, a trend that Liberty Media has started to address with the arrivals of Toprak Razgatlioglu and Diogo Moreira in 2026. Despite these changes, 15 of the 22 riders still come from Spain or Italy.

Redding spoke about the issue on the Full Chat YouTube channel: “There’s a few guys, and they’re all great riders. I’m not taking anything away from them, but you got guys like Alex Rins that’s on a factory Yamaha, has been for a couple of years now.

“And I kind of sit there scratching my head and I’m like, ‘Why?’ A good rider, but he’s had a lot of injuries, not consistent. And I’m like it shouldn’t be doing that, but he’s Spanish.

“There might be a little link somewhere along the line that will maybe help it. It’s just you’ve got to play with the cards that you’re dealt. And being British, it doesn’t make it any easier, and on the fact of there is no British rider in MotoGP is absolutely crazy.”

Alex Rins looks to stay beyond his final season in MotoGP

This season hasn’t been much better for him either. Yamaha are still way behind their rivals when it comes to bike development as well – and the results haven’t been much better either.

The Spaniard hasn’t managed more than three points this year – and things aren’t looking up with Luca Marini and Izan Guevara being linked to his seat for next season.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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