MotoGP Thailand 2025, Jack Miller blames the bike, but maybe it’s time to admit HE is the problem

Jack Miller is no stranger to controversy. The Australian rider is known for his aggressive racing style, outspoken personality, and, at times, his habit of blaming external factors for his struggles on track. After another disappointing performance at the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix 2025, Miller once again pointed the finger at his KTM RC16, citing lack of grip, inconsistent power delivery, and setup issues.

But here’s the question that needs to be asked: is the bike really the problem, or is Miller simply not delivering at the level expected of a top MotoGP rider?

Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen the same pattern with Miller—flashes of brilliance followed by frustrating inconsistency. While there’s no doubt that he has immense talent, the results simply haven’t been good enough. And with younger riders stepping up and outperforming him, is it time for KTM to consider replacing him?

Let’s break down Miller’s career trajectory, his struggles in recent years, and whether he can still turn things around before it’s too late.

Jack Miller’s Career: A Story of Unfulfilled Potential

From Moto3 Star to MotoGP Gamble

Jack Miller’s journey to MotoGP was far from conventional. Unlike most premier-class riders, he made the massive leap from Moto3 straight to MotoGP in 2015, skipping Moto2 entirely. Honda saw potential in Miller’s aggressive, fearless riding style and took a gamble by putting him on the LCR Honda satellite team.

• Moto3 (2014): Finished runner-up in the championship behind Álex Márquez.
• MotoGP debut (2015): struggled massively with the powerful but difficult Honda RC213V-RS in his rookie year.
• First MotoGP Win (2016): Shocked the paddock with a brilliant wet-weather victory at Assen on a satellite Honda.

However, that first win didn’t lead to an immediate breakthrough. Miller spent several seasons as a mid-pack rider, showing glimpses of speed but rarely challenging for podiums consistently.

The Ducati Years: A Step Forward, But Not Enough

In 2018, Miller moved to Pramac Racing as part of Ducati’s satellite program, and his performances began to improve.

• 2019-2020: Multiple podiums, proving he could fight at the front.
• 2021: Promoted to the Ducati Factory Team alongside Francesco Bagnaia.

Many expected Miller to become a championship contender, but while Bagnaia flourished, Miller remained inconsistent.

• Two wins in 2021, but never in serious title contention.
• Failed to challenge Fabio Quartararo and Bagnaia for the championship.

By the end of 2022, Ducati decided to replace him with Enea Bastianini, signaling that they didn’t believe Miller was capable of leading their team to a title.

The KTM Move: New Team, Same Problems

Miller joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2023, hoping for a fresh start. At first, things looked promising—he adapted well to the RC16, scoring some early top-five finishes.

However, as the season progressed, it became clear that Miller was struggling compared to his teammate, Brad Binder.

• Binder consistently outperformed him in races.
• Miller’s qualifying results were poor, forcing him to fight from the midfield.
• A lack of consistency meant podiums were rare.

By 2024, things didn’t improve. KTM had a competitive bike, but Miller still wasn’t delivering the results expected of a factory rider. And now, in 2025, the story remains the same.

Is the KTM Really That Bad?

Miller’s post-race complaints at Thailand 2025 suggested that KTM’s bike was holding him back, but let’s look at the facts:

1. Pedro Acosta is Thriving on the Same Bike

   • Acosta, KTM’s young superstar, finished on the podium in Thailand while Miller struggled.
   • If the bike was truly uncompetitive, Acosta wouldn’t be performing this well.

2. Brad Binder Has Been KTM’s Clear Number One

   • Binder has outperformed Miller for three consecutive seasons.
   • He has adapted to the RC16’s strengths, while Miller continues to struggle with its characteristics.

3. Miller’s Own Inconsistencies Are to Blame

   • One race, Miller looks like a podium contender. The next, he’s barely inside the top ten.
   • His aggressive riding style sometimes leads to mistakes, while more calculated riders (like Binder and Acosta) find consistency.

It’s clear that KTM has a bike capable of competing, yet Miller continues to underperform.

Miller’s biggest flaws: What’s holding him back?

1. Inconsistency in Race Pace

• Miller has days when he looks unbeatable, but those days are rare.
• In MotoGP, a title contender needs to be fast every weekend—not just on certain tracks.

2. Poor Qualifying Results

• Miller often struggles in Q2, starting races from P8-P12.
• This forces him to fight through traffic while riders like Bagnaia and Martín break away at the front.

3. Lack of Adaptability

• Binder, Acosta, and even former KTM riders have found ways to maximize the RC16.
• Miller seems stuck in his ways, unable to adapt his riding style.

4. Mental Pressure and Excuses

• Blaming the bike is one thing, but when your teammate and other KTM riders are faster, the excuse loses credibility.
• MotoGP is a high-pressure sport—Miller needs to take responsibility for his own performances.

Should KTM Replace Jack Miller?

With Miller failing to deliver, KTM has a tough decision to make.

Potential Replacements for 2026:

1. Enea Bastianini (Ducati) If Ducati drops him, KTM could bring in a proven race-winner.
2. Fermin Aldeguer (Moto2): A rising star who could bring fresh energy to the team.
3. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia) Inconsistent but talented, Viñales has MotoGP-winning experience.

KTM wants to fight for championships, and right now, Miller doesn’t look like the rider who will take them there.

Final Verdict: Time is Running Out for Miller

Jack Miller has been in MotoGP for a decade, yet he has never truly been a championship contender.

• He has talent.
• He has race-winning ability.
• But he lacks the consistency, adaptability, and mental approach needed to win a title.

After another disappointing result in Thailand 2025, Miller needs to stop blaming the bike and start looking at himself. If he doesn’t improve soon, KTM might decide it’s time to move on.