There are only two riders in the history of the sport that have more world titles than Jeffrey Herlings after the Dutch legend finally equalled Joel Robert’s sixth world title haul in the first moto in Turkey to further enhance his legacy.
Herlings move to Honda has worked out perfectly despite only being able to ride the bike from January, with the winningest MXGP rider of all time doing what he does best again, win! Herlings has suffered multiple injuries since his last world title in 2021 including a broken neck and temporary paralysis as well as minor injuries like broken collarbones and broken ribs that all thwarted his attempts at what appeared to be an elusive sixth title but Herlings is a fighter and, as usual, he refused to give up and in 2026 he has found the perfect partner in Honda. Five years after this fifth world title Herlings has now got his sixth.
This has been one of Herlings best seasons on a 450, closer to his 2017/18 speed that any other year since with Herlings improving his hardpack speed on the Honda. The Dutch rider has looked sensational at times but with that extra experience and calmness when he needs it to make smart decisions.
Herlings came out swinging this season but so did Lucas Coenen and the duo quickly set themselves apart from the rest of the field with a raw pace no-one else could match consistently. Coenen showed just how fast they were going when he went 2-2 in America and last to fourth in 15 minutes at Southwich before a huge crash there and then Foxhill, ultimately derailed his season just as Herlings hit his prime form.
From Foxhill Herlings has been unbeatable, the old confidence has returned and Herlings, with six world title and 122 GP wins, can sit more comfortably with his statistics that make him one of the best ever and maybe the fastest GP rider ever!
In some brilliant synergy, the ultimate generational talents of Ken Roczen and Jeffrey Herlings that exploded onto the scene at 15 years old in 2009 and 2010, are now, in 2026, still winning the biggest championships on earth with the AMA 450 Supercross title going to Roczen and Herlings now clinching the MXGP title. It underlines just what insane talents the duo are to still be competing at this level 17/18 years into their careers.
Herlings hunger for winning has never diminished despite the injuries and disappointments, his love for the sport and riding his dirt bike ultimately conquered his physical restrictions over the last few years and he more than deserves this sixth title for that determination alone.
Herlings , who has now won three MX2 titles and three MXGP crowns plus the MXoN, said he struggled to sleep last night with the stress!
“Honestly, I slept three hours last night, I had every scenario in my head, because I had it gone wrong so often. I want to give it up to God, because he kept me safe, I have been begging for a long, long time and he kept me safe. I want to give it up to Honda HRC Petronas for the great job they have done all year. It’s amazing too, first year with a new brand, everything new and I win the championship, so thank you everyone and already looking forward to next year!”
Marcus Pereira de Freitas, team manager of HRC Honda said of Herlings: “It has been an amazing effort from Jeffrey and the whole team. This year has been one of the hardest years, but I think it proves that hard work pays off because when you look at the performances that Jeffrey has been putting in this year, especially these last few weeks, this championship is exactly what he deserves. He is a tremendous talent and his determination is second to none, and to win this championship in his first season with the team, and on Honda machinery just shows how capable he is as a rider, and the strong capabilities of the bike. A big thank you to Jeffrey, to the whole team at the races, and also everyone back at Japan for helping make this happen, I am proud of everyone.”
