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One of the topics of the Superbike rider market looking ahead to 2026 is what Alvaro Bautista will do. For about two years now, the Spaniard's future has been a source of interest within the paddock and beyond. Indeed, in 2023 he announced his renewal for the following season at Barcelona while last year the communication came in early September on the eve of the Magny-Cours round.
Once again this year the topic is back in the news, so the question arises: what will Bautista do in 2026? Will he continue or will he decide to hang up his helmet?
But the heart wants what it wants, and in his heart Alvaro Bautista would like to continue racing in 2026. There are several reasons for this including the arrival of the new Panigale V4, which would effectively close that circle opened in 2019 when he left MotoGP to arrive in World Superbike on the red bike.
Irrespective of the new bike, the Spaniard's priority is to have fun and rediscover the pleasure in riding that was missing in 2024. In Australia, at the first round, we saw a strong and competitive Bautista again, particularly in Race 2, where he was the protagonist of a super comeback that took him to second position after starting down in the fourth row following an unfortunate Superpole Race.
On the horizon is Portimao, one of the favorite tracks of the #19, where the goal will be to confirm the sensations of Australia and be again in the scrap for the top positions.
Portugal therefore represents a second test bench in view of his renewal, just as Assen and Cremona will be. Needless to say, the next three races will be of key significance for Bautista's 2026. If his confidence and enjoyment of the bike go up we are of the opinion that next year we will see him on the new Panigale V4.
If not, without wasting too much time, he himself will be the one to communicate his retirement with the candor and transparency that have always distinguished him. For sure, there is no hurry because Ducati and Aruba want to give their top rider the necessary time.
