Maverick Vinales Gives Cryptic Update in Yamaha Overalls Following Austrian GP Drama

Round 11 of the 2021 MotoGP championship will take place in the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg this weekend. While the action on track usually garners the most attention in any race weekend, Maverick Vinales is garnering attention on the sidelines.

The Spaniard’s ongoing tussle with his Yamaha team reached a new level after the Styrian GP last weekend. Although he qualified P9, Vinales recorded a DNF to compound his misery in 2021. After the race, the Japanese outfit suspended the 26-year-old for the Austrian GP this weekend.

Earlier today, Vinales took to social media to give a hint on his current situation from the sidelines in Spielberg.

Maverick Vinales gives update from the sidelines of the Austrian Grand Prix

After Vinales’ father, Angel accused Yamaha of sabotage on social media, the Japanese issued a statement in which they accused Vinales of performing an unexplained irregular operation during the Styrian GP. They admitted that based on their telemetry, this action from the Spaniard damaged his bike, forcing him to finish the race in the pit lane.

Issuing Vinales a one-race suspension has added fuel to a raging fire between the Spaniard and his team. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old terminated his existing contract –  which means he will leave Yamaha after 2021. The events last weekend and Angel Vinales’ comments stirred the pot further, which leaves Maverick to watch the Austrian GP from the sidelines.

During FP1 earlier today, the Spaniard posted a story on Instagram. He mentioned that discussions between him and Yamaha will happen in due course. He wrote, “Today on the other side. I will explain the details as soon as I can”

The Spaniard gave this update wearing a Yamaha T-shirt, leaving fans confused on his dynamic with the team. While he misses the race this weekend, Yamaha revealed they will decide on his participation in future races later.

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Yamaha to field just one driver in the Austrian Grand Prix

In the same statement, Yamaha revealed they will not replace Vinales for the Austrian GP. Despite having Cal Crutchlow as a test rider, Fabio Quartararo will be the only rider representing the Japanese outfit this weekend.

Quartararo currently leads the championship, with a 40-point gap to Ducati’s Johann Zarco. The Japanese outfit will hope the Frenchman can bring big points this weekend to strengthen their grip at the top.

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