Darryn Binder, the younger brother of MotoGP star Brad Binder, has carved out his own identity in the world of professional motorcycle racing, though his bond with his brother remains central to his career. In a recent interview, Darryn reflected on the strong relationship he shares with Brad, which has been a constant source of support and motivation throughout their careers.
Darryn Binder has often been in the shadow of his older brother Brad, who has enjoyed immense success since his MotoGP debut. Brad’s rise to fame, which includes victories in Moto2 and Moto3, and his breakthrough moment as KTM’s first premier-class race winner in 2020, has set the bar high for Darryn. Despite this, Darryn views their sibling dynamic not as a rivalry, but as an ongoing partnership. In the interview, Darryn shared, “Growing up, I always looked up to Brad. He was my role model, but more than that, he’s been my biggest supporter. Even now, no matter how different our paths may seem, we’re always there for each other.”
The brothers’ mutual support started at a young age. Both South African riders were deeply rooted in their passion for motorsports, and their journey into racing began with their father introducing them to motorbikes at a young age. Their shared love for the sport meant that they often trained together, pushing each other to improve. While Brad quickly ascended the ranks, Darryn’s path to MotoGP was more gradual, but that never weakened their bond. “We’ve always had each other’s backs,” Darryn explained, “and I think that’s been a huge part of why we’ve both made it so far.”
Darryn’s progression into the MotoGP premier class came with its challenges. After spending several seasons in Moto3, where he developed a reputation as an aggressive and determined rider, Darryn made the bold move to leap straight into MotoGP in 2022 with Yamaha’s satellite team. It was a tough transition, but Darryn knew he had Brad by his side. He revealed that during his debut season, Brad offered him invaluable advice on how to handle the increased power and competition in MotoGP. “He gave me so much guidance, especially about how to stay calm under pressure. MotoGP is a whole new level, but Brad kept telling me, ‘Trust yourself, and don’t let the speed overwhelm you,’” Darryn said.
Despite the steep learning curve, Darryn remained positive, crediting Brad’s words of encouragement as key to helping him find his rhythm. The elder Binder was often seen in Darryn’s garage, offering tips and providing moral support during tough weekends. Their strong relationship has always been based on open communication. “We’re really honest with each other,” Darryn noted. “If something’s not working, Brad isn’t afraid to tell me, and I do the same for him.”
Though both brothers are now in MotoGP, they find themselves on different teams—Brad with KTM and Darryn having raced with Yamaha and later other satellite teams. Yet, they remain each other’s biggest fans. Darryn expressed how, despite the competition, he still learns a lot from Brad’s experiences, particularly with KTM’s development. “Brad’s been with KTM for a long time, and he’s played a huge part in shaping their success. I’m incredibly proud of him, and I’m always asking him for tips on improving my own riding style,” Darryn said.
The two brothers often talk about how surreal it is to be competing on the same MotoGP grid, an achievement that not many siblings in motorsport can claim. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Darryn shared. “Sometimes we’ll just look at each other on the starting grid and smile. We know how far we’ve come together.”
However, their relationship isn’t just about racing. The interview shed light on the fact that Darryn and Brad maintain a close connection outside of the sport as well. Whether it’s spending time with their families or simply catching up on life, they prioritize their brotherhood over their professional careers. “Racing is what we do, but being brothers comes first,” Darryn remarked.
As Darryn continues to navigate the challenges of MotoGP, he remains optimistic about his future, especially with Brad continuing to be a guiding influence. “There’s still so much I want to achieve in this sport, and I know Brad will be there, pushing me along the way,” Darryn said. The two brothers plan to keep growing as athletes while supporting each other’s careers in MotoGP, both determined to leave their mark on the sport.
In closing the interview, Darryn emphasized how fortunate he feels to have such a strong relationship with his brother. “Not many people get to pursue their dreams alongside their sibling, let alone in the same sport at the highest level. Brad and I are lucky, and no matter what happens, we’ll always have each other’s backs.”
Darryn Binder’s relationship with his brother Brad is a rare and remarkable bond in the world of MotoGP. It’s a story of sibling support, shared dreams, and mutual success, with both brothers drawing strength from each other as they navigate the thrills and challenges of motorcycle racing at the highest level.
