Image: Supplied.

KTM has confirmed that five-time MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings will depart Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ahead of the 2026 season, bringing an end to a 16-year association between the Dutch legend and the Austrian manufacturer.

During his time with KTM, Herlings accumulated 112 GP wins, including 61 in MX2, and he captured three MX2 titles in 2012, 2013 and 2016. A move to MXGP in 2017 saw him add further championships in 2018 and 2021, despite a career interrupted by injury.

“It was a big pleasure to watch a generational talent like this boy grow and develop with us,” said KTM Motorsports director Pit Beirer. “Jeffrey always did things his own way but we’ve hardly ever seen a racer work as hard and be so determined.

“There were highs and lows in this long 16-year journey for both of us, but Jeffrey is unique, and I’m happy that our Red Bull KTM orange was such a strong part in his story.”

In addition to his GP success, Herlings claimed victories in AMA Pro Motocross, multiple domestic titles, and numerous wins at the Motocross of Nations. He departs as KTM’s second-most decorated FIM motocross world champion – linked to Honda HRC from next year.