“What Problems is Miguel Oliveira Facing?” The Portuguese Rider Speaks Out After a Series of Concerning Results

Miguel Oliveira, one of MotoGP’s most skilled and tenacious riders, has recently found himself in a difficult stretch, both on the track and off it. Once heralded as the future of Portuguese motorsport, Oliveira is now facing intense scrutiny after a string of disappointing results in the 2025 season. With the paddock swirling with rumors and fans raising eyebrows, the Trackhouse Racing rider has finally spoken out — giving a candid and emotional insight into the challenges he’s currently facing.

What’s really going wrong for Miguel Oliveira? And can he bounce back before the MotoGP season slips away?

A Rough Patch That Can’t Be Ignored

After showing promise in the early stages of his MotoGP career — including five career victories and multiple podiums with KTM — Oliveira made the high-profile switch to Trackhouse Racing (formerly RNF Aprilia). Expectations were high that the move would reinvigorate his career. However, things haven’t gone to plan.

Through the first half of the 2025 season, Oliveira has struggled to break into the top 10, often finishing races outside the points or retiring due to mechanical issues or crashes. Most recently, he endured a disastrous Italian GP, where he failed to qualify in the top 15 and ultimately dropped out mid-race due to performance-related issues.

These results have raised questions about his future with the team, his physical condition, and whether the bike — or the rider — is truly the problem.

Miguel Oliveira Speaks: “I’m Not Happy. I Know Fans Aren’t Either.”

After the Catalan Grand Prix, Oliveira decided to open up in a post-race interview with Portuguese media, addressing both his supporters and critics:

“I’m not happy. I know the fans aren’t either. This isn’t the level I should be riding at. I take full responsibility, but there are things happening behind the scenes that make it difficult.”

This rare show of vulnerability shocked many, especially from a rider known for his professionalism and stoicism. Oliveira stopped short of blaming the team, but his comments hinted at internal frustrations and possibly a lack of support or direction.

“We’ve tried different setups, different strategies, but nothing is working consistently. It’s like starting over every weekend.”

Is the Bike Holding Him Back?

The Trackhouse Aprilia package, while promising on paper, has proven to be inconsistent across various circuits. Teammate Raúl Fernández has occasionally outperformed Oliveira this season, further fueling questions about whether Miguel is failing to adapt to the bike — or whether his side of the garage is not receiving equal technical attention.

Aprilia’s main factory riders, Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales, have had flashes of brilliance in 2025, but even they admit the RS-GP still suffers from corner exit instability and unpredictable electronics — two issues that have plagued Oliveira repeatedly.

Oliveira acknowledged this in his interview:

“We lack stability — physically on the bike, and as a team in terms of direction. I can’t push when I don’t feel the bike is listening to me.”

Mental Toll and Family Balance

Away from the bike, Oliveira is also managing the responsibilities of fatherhood and married life. His young daughter Alice, born in 2021, and his family life have brought joy but also added emotional weight. During the media rounds, he admitted:

“Sometimes I feel guilty that I bring home the frustration. I want to make my country proud, my family proud — but right now, I’m just angry with myself.”

His emotional honesty has drawn support from fans and fellow riders alike, with some applauding his transparency in a sport where mental health is often overlooked.

Injury Still Haunting Him?

It’s worth noting that Oliveira suffered a shoulder injury last season after being taken out by Marc Márquez in Portugal — an incident that disrupted his momentum and physical confidence. Though he returned to full fitness, some MotoGP analysts speculate that he hasn’t fully recovered mentally from the injury or the feeling of vulnerability it introduced.

“There are moments when I hesitate,” he admitted. “When you’ve been hurt before, it’s not easy to forget.”

Pressure from Portugal: A Nation Watching Closely

As Portugal’s most successful MotoGP rider ever, Oliveira carries a nation’s expectations. Every result is dissected, every crash debated. That pressure, coupled with internal paddock uncertainty, makes his current situation feel even more intense.

The Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão is still a few races away, but many fans are already eyeing it as a crucial turning point. A strong performance at home could be the spark Oliveira needs — or, if the slump continues, it could mark a heartbreaking low.

Team Principal Speaks Out

Trackhouse Racing’s team principal, Davide Brivio, recently addressed Oliveira’s situation, trying to ease tensions:

“We believe in Miguel. He is a top rider. It’s true we are not delivering what we promised yet, but we are working closely to resolve our weaknesses. Miguel has our full support.”

Despite the public vote of confidence, rumors have already begun to swirl about contract negotiations for 2026 — and whether Oliveira’s seat is truly safe.

Can He Turn It Around?

History suggests never counting Oliveira out. He’s one of the few riders on the grid to win in both wet and dry conditions, and he’s known for exceptional racecraft when the bike works in his favor.

But for a comeback to happen, Oliveira will need more than self-belief — he’ll need the team to provide a competitive package, better communication, and clear direction.

There’s also a chance that he may consider a switch to World Superbike (WSBK) or another factory seat if results don’t improve by the end of the season.

Final Thoughts: A Fighter in Transition

Miguel Oliveira is at a crossroads in his MotoGP journey. The talent is undeniable, the passion remains strong, and the support of an entire country is still behind him. But time is running out to salvage the 2025 campaign — and perhaps his entire MotoGP trajectory.

For now, Oliveira’s openness about his struggles has painted a clearer picture of what he’s truly facing: not just a rough season, but a perfect storm of technical setbacks, mental strain, and emotional weight.

MotoGP is a brutal sport. One moment you’re celebrated, the next you’re questioned. But if anyone can rise again, it’s Miguel Oliveira — a rider with grit, grace, and unfinished business.