Does Herlings hang em up?

He’s on a 2 year contract with an option for a 3rd. 

His bank account is set up for early deposit

I would say no. He's probably the favorite to win the title again next year. Lucas is going to the US, Febvre is going to Ducati, Gajser on the Yamaha is not the same as on the Honda. 

Big factor is if he remains healthy I would imagine.

He's in by far his best form since 2021. He is actually is super consistent, gets the best starts he ever had on the Honda, looks less sketchy in general. If it weren't for his DNFs or Lucas, we would talk about how this is the best Herlings we have seen since 2018. With Lucas gone next year there is nobody who has anything for him in a championship barring injury. I don't see him quitting in the next 2-3 years. He could still win 1 or 2 titles after this year. If he somehow retires I'd be very surprised.

It's actually insane to me how where he is right now when looking at his injury list and the fact that he got on a new bike after being on the KTM for like 17 years.

That’s how I’m seeing it, too.

This is the beginning of a new chapter. 

He really doesn’t have much to prove

Not really the biggest fan of this statement. Same way people talk about Tomac recently. They don't ride for us fans or just to prove something. They ride and compete because it's part of their life, they don't know anything else, they do it since being a little kid. They love being competitive, they love winning and racing, it's part of their identity. Guys like RV/RD openly said that they felt like they retired too early.

Same when people say: "retire and enjoy life". What if they enjoy life the most when competing and racing? Not everyone is like RC where they hate everything about it.

Would anyone really challenge him next year? I don't think so. Maybe for a race here or there, but across the season I think he'd be by far the best. HRC should have the bike a little more refined too. 

100% no

he’s cashing in bonuses every single round, that’s when racing is fun man.

He's addicted to buying rental properties, and he loves money too much to hang it up now, while the big cheques are still cashing.

Isn't he only 30, or so?

I think he raised his level this year to go against Lucas, because now that Lucas is out you can see how far ahead of the field Herlings is.

Maybe he means “prove to himself”?

I can see him calling it a day next year at the MXoN, at home, in Assen. Maybe even with a (individual) win. No better place for him to do it in my opinion.

Are you insinuating that the Ducati handles like a pile of s#it and most riders are there for the $$

He LOVES to win and LOVES the paycheck  ... so he races till he can't any longer (physically/mental). 

His luck can change at any moment. 

Others can also change ... Yamaha and Kawasaki have been slow to fix their issues but one little fix/staff change can unlock a LOT of speed. 

Like we saw this year, the field can change. Lucas improved SO much from 2025 to 2026 season. Other new talents will arrive. 

Stay tuned to MXGP ... 

IDK man, on capability I don't see a consistent challenger on the horizon with Lucas going to US. Like RC, I imagine he could choose to go out on top, but that won't be known until he wants to share it with us. 

KDW may have moments where he bests Jeffrey in the future, but Lommel as his (and unfortunately for KDW - Jeffery's) best shot.

Gasjer is way off the mark. Febvre is consistent, but just non consistently fast enough.  Both are late in their careers. 

My completely emotional take on it is that he deserves time time to shine without injuries. Don't concentrate on what could have been, just go forward and win everything until someone takes it from you. 

JH might been the best he is ever been right now. 2018 was outstanding and full send mode.

But the package with Honda is so good right now. 
Starts never been this good. Speed and fitness is still outstanding and knowing to back down when needed is something he learned the hard way.

The wave he is on right now is a match in heaven for him and HRC. 

Not saying the bike is a pile of shit, but it still needs a lot of development and I don't see Febvre being a championship contender next year on that bike. 

As for the paycheck, he's 34 years old. Who wouldn't take the biggest paycheck offered to them before calling it a career and sailing off into the sunset. Smart business move.

Herlings might love riding more than anyone else at his level and age. I imagine he'll keep going for so long as he remains healthy and competitive enough to win GPs/titles 

Febvre is the anti-Sexton. He can ride anything. 

2023 Czech Republic MXGP

He remounted fourth and, despite bent handlebars and a painful shoulder, gritted it out to the finish to record his third GP victory in four weekends, having also won each of the two previous GPs in Indonesia. 

2015 MXGP of Italy, MXA

However, bent handlebars and a lack of front brake didn’t dissuade Romain from slicing through the pack like a hot knife through brie. He worked up to sixth–good enough for the overall by three points. Febvre’s performance was magnifique!

I think Febvre can deal with a few Ducati handling quirks with his resume. Now given his skill at dealing with adversity I'm not sure he will be the best to develop Ducati - but to ride it I have no doubt.

Jeffery could have an easy year or 2 coming up. Lots of race wins and bonuses coming his way and we know he love money 

Hopefully he comes and races the AMA outdoor series soon. 
Would be awesome to see.  

He's 31... 

It seems dialed in already to a certain degree here in the U.S., they just need competitive riders.