Jeffrey Herlings is the most decorated Grand Prix motocross racer in the history of the sport. Born on September 12, 1994 in Veghel, Netherlands, Herlings first raced a World Championship event in 2010 at age 15. By 2012 he was the MX2 World Champion. He would go on to win the MX2 title three times — 2012, 2013, and 2016 — before dominating the premier MXGP class with titles in 2018 and 2021. His 112 career Grand Prix victories surpass the previous record of 101 set by the legendary Stefan Everts, a mark that once seemed untouchable.
For 16 years, Herlings raced on KTM machinery — essentially his entire professional career. The switch to Honda HRC PETRONAS for 2026 is therefore one of the most significant team changes in the history of Grand Prix motocross. He will line up alongside Tom Vialle and Ruben Fernandez in a triple-threat Honda attack that echoes the dominance Honda enjoyed in the 1980s. The question everyone in the paddock is asking: how quickly can The Bullet adapt to a new machine?
“Obviously this is a big change for me, but honestly, I am so excited to join Honda HRC. Once I found out that they were interested in signing me, it wasn't a hard decision — I knew I'd be joining an extremely professional operation that does everything it can to help a rider succeed.”
— Jeffrey Herlings · Honda HRC PETRONASThe Greatest GP Racer of All Time
The argument for Herlings as the greatest Grand Prix motocross racer of all time is straightforward: 112 wins, five titles, victories on every terrain type and in every condition, across 16 professional seasons. He has won races while recovering from injuries that would have ended most careers. He won races in 15 of his 16 full professional seasons. His 2018 MXGP championship was won with 17 victories from 19 starts — the most GP wins in a single season in MXGP history. The record speaks for itself.
Honda HRC PETRONAS — Triple Threat
Honda HRC PETRONAS enters 2026 with the most formidable rider lineup in the paddock: Jeffrey Herlings (#84, 112 GP wins, 5 world titles), Tom Vialle (#16, 2× MX2 World Champion), and Ruben Fernandez (#70, established MXGP contender). PETRONAS joins Honda as title sponsor, adding the energy of a global brand to one of motorsport's most historic racing programs. The triple-threat attack brings memories of Honda's 1980s dominance to the modern era of MXGP.
honda.racing →The Honda Debut
At the opening round of the 2026 season in Bariloche, Argentina, Herlings delivered one of the most remarkable debuts in MXGP history — winning both motos and taking the overall victory in his first race on a Honda CRF450R. The Bullet adapted to a new machine in two months and immediately put it on the top step of the podium. Through four rounds, he sits second in the championship with 178 points, fourteen behind leader Lucas Coenen. This fight is very much alive.
✦ Jeffrey Herlings — Career Highlights
- 112 career GP victories — all-time MXGP record
- 5 World Championship titles (3 MX2, 2 MXGP)
- MX2 Champion: 2012, 2013, 2016
- MXGP Champion: 2018, 2021
- Born September 12, 1994 — Veghel, Netherlands
- 16 consecutive seasons racing professionally
- Won on Honda at Argentina R1 2026 — historic debut
- Previous team: Red Bull KTM (16 years)