A new chapter is set to begin in Nico Greutmann’s career, as the Swiss talent prepares to step up from the EMX250 championship to the MXGP World Championship. Greutmann will contest all European rounds of the series in 2026, marking a significant move in his motocross journey.
While most riders traditionally progress from MX2 to MXGP, Greutmann’s size and build make him well-suited to a 450cc machine, making this leap a logical next step. For the upcoming season, he has joined a new team on the MXGP paddock – Meuwissen Motorsports who will be receiving support from MX Academy Honda – and will make the switch to Honda machinery.
Greutmann will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Swiss riders such as Jeremy Seewer, Valentin Guillod, and Arnaud Tonus, aiming to make his mark in the premier class of motocross. As well as the MXGP World Championship, Greutmann will also contest the ADAC MX Masters and perhaps some races in Switzerland if the schedule allows.
With talent, size, and determination on his side, all eyes will be on Greutmann as he tackles the toughest Motocross series on the planet.
Raf Meuwissen:
I am very happy to have Nico on the team. Nico is a very good rider and I am very excited to work together with him to see what he can do on the 450cc in 2026.
Nico Greutmann:
It was simply time to take the step up to the “big boys.” My weight and height were clear disadvantages on the 250cc, and the 450cc suits me much better. I’m really looking forward to feeling the extra power and learning how to handle it properly. It just feels incredible – almost like having butterflies in my stomach. Everything is new: every little detail on the bike, every feeling on the track. It’s like starting all over again, just with all the experience I’ve gained along the way.
I’m super excited about the new bike, the team, and the new challenges. It’s a bit like a Golden Retriever – pure joy, curiosity, and energy. I know that every change brings something positive, and that’s exactly what motivates me.
There are a lot of things I’m looking forward to. Especially riding the Honda – I’ve wanted to be on a Japanese bike again for a long time. On top of that, I’ll have a Swiss team manager whom I’ve known since I was a kid. That gives me a very safe feeling because I know that what’s said will actually be done. I’ll also have a new training structure, something I haven’t experienced before – but as they say, sometimes a change of scenery can work wonders.
Quite simply I want to have fun and really settle into the 450cc class. It’s my rookie year, and I think finishing around 15th place would already be very good. But of course, I want to get as far up front as possible.
