Red Bull KTM 2026: Future planning with two directions?

interesting contrast: While the Coenen brothers are being given long-term prospects, one thing seems clear for Simon Längenfelder – his future remains in the Grand Prix paddock.

Is this a coincidence? Or a strategic decision?

Length fields: Stability instead of a change of perspective

Simon Längenfelder will enter his sixth season on KTM equipment in 2026. Since his MX2 debut in 2021, he has been part of the KTM system, winning his first Grand Prix in Great Britain in 2022, finishing third overall several times – and finally crowning himself world champion in Australia in 2025.

At 21, he is at the sporting peak of his MX2 career. The next logical step in the medium term would be to move up to the MXGP class – but not a move to the USA.

What's striking is that the statements surrounding his contract extension make no mention of international options or "global programs." Instead, they speak of development, continuity, and long-term cooperation "within the Austrian machinery sector." Pit Beirer clearly emphasizes continuity. Joel Smets speaks of the next chapter—not the next continent.

Längenfelder seems like the kind of rider KTM wants to establish in the European World Championship system. A future MXGP title contender, developed over years, not shipped across oceans.

The Coenen brothers: More than just a contract extension?

The communication surrounding Lucas and Sacha Coenen reads quite differently. The 19-year-old Belgians are far from being mere talents. In 2025, as a rookie in the MXGP class, Lucas won six races – becoming the youngest Premier Class winner in history. He also achieved 14 podium finishes and was runner-up in the World Championship. Sacha secured two MX2 victories and ten podium finishes.

Both parties sign a multi-year contract. And here's what's noticeable: the choice of words is more open, broader, more global.

"We know our goals."
"Ready for new challenges."
"Then we will see what goals we set for ourselves."

It sounds less like location commitment – ​​more like career planning.

Lucas Coenen's path seems almost predetermined. A young, exceptional MXGP talent with international market value, an aggressive riding style, and media presence – qualities that would fit perfectly into the American Supercross system.

Strategic model: Develop Europe, conquer the USA?

KTM has repeatedly proven in recent years that the European World Championship and the US market are two different development programs.

Not every World Cup champion automatically goes to America. And not every US project is built for the long term.

The Coenen brothers seem to want to keep all their options open. Multi-year contracts provide planning security – at the same time, they allow them to determine the ideal time for a potential move.

Lucas, in particular, would be a logical candidate for a future Supercross transfer. Age, explosiveness, mentality – the profile fits. Sacha could still mature within the MX2 system or follow suit in the future.

Length fields as a European constant?

Simon Längenfelder, on the other hand, represents a different model. He's not a short-term project, but a systematically developed KTM rider. His development has been controlled. No hectic class change, no leap into the unknown. Even in 2026, the initial focus is on defending his title – not on expansion.

This could mean that KTM is planning with him as a future pillar of their MXGP team in Europe. A rider who will secure KTM's long-term presence in the premier class, while other talents rotate internationally.

Coincidence or clear role distribution?

There has been no official statement yet regarding the Coenen brothers' potential plans for the USA. However, in motorsport, decisions are rarely made by chance. Längenfeld: structured, stable, and firmly rooted in Europe. The Coenen brothers: young, dynamic, committed to the long term – but with an open mind. 2026 could therefore be interesting not only from a sporting perspective, but also strategically.

Perhaps we are currently witnessing the moment when KTM defines two career paths: one remains in the Grand Prix system – the other prepares for the next big stage.

And if that happens, the move to the USA will not be surprising – but rather long planned.