Miguel Oliveira Faces Great Pressure: Can He Regain His Form Before It’s Too Late in MotoGP 2025?

As the MotoGP 2025 season roars forward with new rivalries and high-octane drama, one name that continues to draw concern is Miguel Oliveira. Once hailed as one of the sport’s most promising stars, the Portuguese rider now finds himself grappling with a crisis of performance and confidence. Following a string of underwhelming results, fans and critics alike are beginning to ask: can Miguel Oliveira rediscover his form before it’s too late?

In a grid stacked with talent, Oliveira’s current trajectory is becoming increasingly worrying. While he once stunned the paddock with race-winning flair and composure, his 2025 campaign has been a shadow of his previous highs. The stakes have never been higher—and time might be running out.

From rising star to uncertain contender

Just a few seasons ago, Miguel Oliveira was a rider on the rise. His stunning victories with Red Bull KTM Tech3, including emotional wins at the 2020 Styrian and Portuguese Grands Prix, turned heads across the racing world. Oliveira’s calm under pressure and his ability to read treacherous race conditions marked him as a future title contender.

Fast-forward to MotoGP 2025, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Now riding with Trackhouse Racing Aprilia, Oliveira has struggled to adapt to the ever-evolving grid. With a competitive teammate and a growing list of young challengers, the pressure is building. While he’s shown glimpses of potential, consistency—and confidence—has eluded him this season.

Injuries and team transitions have disrupted momentum

A major factor behind Oliveira’s decline has been his recent history with injuries. Throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he faced several physical setbacks, including shoulder and leg issues that sidelined him during critical race weekends. These injuries not only impacted his physical condition but also disrupted his rhythm and confidence on the bike.

Additionally, the transition to Trackhouse Racing Aprilia has been anything but smooth. While Aprilia has made significant strides as a manufacturer, Oliveira has struggled to extract consistent performance from his RS-GP. Setup issues, tire degradation, and poor qualifying have plagued his season, leaving him to battle in the midfield rather than fight for podiums.

The unforgiving nature of modern MotoGP

Unlike earlier eras, modern MotoGP offers no room for extended slumps. With the field tighter than ever, a rider who drops form can find themselves tumbling down the order in an instant. Every mistake is magnified, and every race becomes a potential job interview as contracts, sponsorships, and reputations hang in the balance.

For Miguel Oliveira, the clock is ticking. As riders like Pedro Acosta, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Marco Bezzecchi continue to rise, Oliveira risks being overshadowed unless he delivers immediate results. Teams are increasingly looking toward younger, hungrier riders—meaning that time is not on the Portuguese star’s side.

MotoGP 2025 standings: Oliveira’s position raises alarms

As of the current MotoGP 2025 standings, Miguel Oliveira sits outside the top ten, with a string of disappointing finishes in both sprint and feature races. While he has scored points sporadically, he’s been unable to challenge the front-runners with the same authority he once possessed.

In qualifying, Oliveira has struggled to break into the top eight, which puts him on the back foot during race day. Without a strong grid position, he’s often caught in mid-pack battles where tire management and overtaking opportunities are limited—especially on tracks with tight corners and limited run-off space.

Pressure from within: Team expectations and internal competition

The arrival of Raul Fernandez as his teammate has also turned up the heat. While both riders have dealt with their share of struggles, Fernandez has occasionally shown flashes of brilliance, making team comparisons inevitable. Oliveira now not only fights for position on the grid but also battles to maintain his status within the team.

Trackhouse Racing, which took over from RNF Racing, has big ambitions. Backed by American investors and riding Aprilia’s factory-supported machinery, they expect results. Team principal Justin Marks has already hinted that all riders are being evaluated, and no seat is guaranteed beyond 2025.

If Oliveira continues to underperform, Trackhouse may look toward younger talent—especially with a rich pool of Moto2 riders looking to break through.

What needs to change? Oliveira’s roadmap to recovery

So, what can Miguel Oliveira do to turn things around before it’s too late?

First and foremost, he needs to rediscover his mental composure and self-belief. Confidence plays a pivotal role in MotoGP, where tenths of a second separate victory from anonymity. In his early years, Oliveira was fearless, often capitalizing on chaos with clinical precision. That version of him must re-emerge.

Technically, Oliveira and his crew need to optimize his bike setup—especially for qualifying. He must start races closer to the front to avoid midfield chaos and manage tire wear more effectively. Aprilia’s engineers have shown they can produce podium-worthy bikes; it’s now a matter of fine-tuning it to match Oliveira’s style.

Upcoming races could define his season

Looking ahead, circuits like Mugello, Assen, and Silverstone could be pivotal. These tracks reward smooth riding and bravery under braking—both of which are traits Oliveira has displayed in the past. Strong performances at these venues would not only earn him crucial points but also help restore confidence and momentum.

Moreover, the unpredictable nature of weather-affected races could offer Oliveira a chance to shine. Historically, he’s performed well in mixed conditions. A return to form in these challenging environments could shift public perception and remind everyone why he was once a race-winner.

Fan support remains strong, but patience is wearing thin

One area where Miguel Oliveira continues to enjoy support is among fans, especially in his native Portugal. His popularity remains strong thanks to his humble demeanor, work ethic, and previous heroics. The Portuguese Grand Prix still erupts in cheers whenever he appears on track.

However, even the most loyal fans are beginning to express concern. Forums and social media discussions reflect a growing frustration, with many urging Oliveira to take more risks and adopt a more aggressive approach on race day.

The bigger picture: Oliveira’s legacy on the line

At 30 years old, Miguel Oliveira is entering the critical years of his MotoGP career. While he’s not the oldest on the grid, he’s no longer the up-and-comer with time to develop. The decisions he makes in the next few races—how he adapts, how he fights—could define his legacy in the sport.

Will he be remembered as a brilliant talent who couldn’t fulfill his potential? Or will he script a redemption arc that sees him return to the podium and rewrite his narrative? The answer will come not from his words, but from his lap times.

Conclusion: A crossroad season for Miguel Oliveira

There’s no sugarcoating it—Miguel Oliveira is under immense pressure in MotoGP 2025. Injuries, team transitions, and lack of form have combined into a storm that now threatens to derail his career. But Oliveira has faced adversity before—and emerged stronger.

The question now is whether he can do it again, in a paddock that’s more competitive and cutthroat than ever. If he finds his rhythm, tightens his qualifying game, and embraces the fearless mindset that once made him a star, Miguel Oliveira can still make a comeback.

But if the current slump continues, the MotoGP world may soon start looking past him—and that would be a tragic end to a career that once promised so much.