Not Motivated By His Options, Is Álvaro Bautista Ready To Retire?
The oldest rider in WSBK does not have a ride for 2027 Photos by Barni Racing. Álvaro Bautista is heading into an off-season without a seat for the first time in years and, by his own account, not motivated by his options. With two rounds left in 2026, the two-time champion told WorldSBK.com that none of the opportunities in front of him are worth taking just to stay on the grid. At 41 years old…
Álvaro Bautista, the oldest rider in World Superbike Championship (WSBK), is set to retire from racing without a seat for the 2027 season. The two-time champion revealed to WorldSBK.com that he is not motivated by his current options, stating that none of the opportunities available to him are worth staying in the sport. At 41 years old and the oldest rider on the WSBK grid, Bautista's future in racing is uncertain.
Currently, he is under contract with Barni Racing, but they have already confirmed that Xavi Vierge will replace him in the team's Ducati Panigale V4 R for 2027. Bautista's disappointment with the 2026 season, marked by a single podium finish, has led him to conclude that it may be time to end his racing career. He plans to contemplate his future after the final two rounds of the season, which include the Estoril Round and the season finale at Jerez.
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