Pedro Acosta’s talent has never been in doubt. Ever since he stepped into MotoGP, the young rider has shown moments of brilliance that make many believe he is a future world champion. Yet, as the 2025 season heads towards its end, there is a growing feeling in the paddock that the KTM rider is being held back by his machinery rather than his ability.

The Spanish rider, Acosta, has already achieved more consistency than some riders manage in years. After admitting to too many mistakes earlier in the season, he has learned quickly, now becoming one of the most dependable names in the top five. His recent second place at the Malaysian Grand Prix, where he battled with Francesco Bagnaia, was proof of how much he has grown.

Despite these strong results, the first MotoGP win still hasn’t come. Acosta currently sits fifth in the championship and has collected nearly double the points of his team-mate Brad Binder. But while his speed is obvious, KTM’s RC16 remains a step behind the front-running Ducatis and Aprilias.

One person who understands Acosta’s frustration better than most is KTM test rider Pol Espargaró. Having raced for the Austrian brand himself, Espargaró knows exactly what the young rider is up against.

“It’s difficult to watch,” Espargaró admitted in an interview for MotoGP.com at Sepang. “Pedro is doing everything right. He’s fast, smart, and consistent. But at the moment, the bike doesn’t let him fight for wins. If he were on another machine, I’m sure he’d already be a race winner.”

KTM’s engineers have worked tirelessly to close the gap, but the level in MotoGP is higher than ever. Ducati still dominates, Aprilia has taken a big step forward, and even Honda, after several tough years, is starting to show signs of recovery. This means KTM riders often have to ride on the limit just to keep up, and sometimes that is not enough.

Meanwhile, other young riders have enjoyed their first victories. Fermin Aldeguer claimed his first win in Indonesia, and Raul Fernandez followed with a triumph in Australia. For Acosta, watching the young riders celebrate could easily be frustrating.

“I’m not losing focus,” Acosta said in a post-race interview for MotoGP.com. “I know my moment will come. Right now, I’m learning every race, becoming more precise, and improving in every area. We know what’s missing, and the factory is working to give us something more. I just have to stay ready.”

It is this maturity that has impressed many inside the paddock. Acosta is not simply fast; he is thoughtful, analytical, and patient.

If KTM can deliver a bike capable of matching the front-runners, few doubt that Acosta will soon be standing on the top step of the podium.