Jeffrey Herlings: "I'd love to have the most podiums in MXGP history.”

The Dutchman has broken records, won championships and cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats.  Yet in 2026, following a move to Honda HRC PETRONAS and a return to championship contention, the five-time world champion says his motivation has changed.  These days, it's no longer about obligation, it's about enjoyment.

Herlings' switch to Honda HRC PETRONAS wasn't a sudden decision.  Conversations had been brewing for some time, with initial contact dating back to 2024.

“Giacomo Gariboldi reached out for small talk,” Herlings explains, "Then, at the beginning of 2025, Roger Harvey called me, and that's when it basically started running and I decided to make the switch.” He adds with a smile, “And so far, so good."

Having spent virtually his entire Grand Prix career with another team, adapting to Honda represented one of the biggest changes of Herlings' career.  The transition, however, has been smoother than many expected.

"It's an amazing bike," he said of the Honda CRF450RW. "Not just because I'm contracted by them, but honestly, just because I really enjoy riding it." He points to the motorcycle's steering and handling as standout characteristics, while also praising the engine's delivery and overall balance, particularly on harder circuits.

"For me, it's just a really, really nice bike and I enjoy riding it every single day." An opinion that is hard to argue with given his performances to date.

The move to Honda has also reunited Herlings with Tom Vialle, his former teammate between 2019 and 2022, while introducing him to Rubén Fernández as a teammate for the first time. While Vialle is a familiar face, Fernández has made a particularly strong impression. "He's a tough cookie," Herlings laughed.  “So I prefer being in his team than not because he’s a tough guy and you shouldn't underestimate him."

Despite the fierce level of competition within the squad, Herlings says the atmosphere is positive, ”I’m having good fun with both of them and I enjoy my time with them."

Considering the setbacks he endured through injury just a season ago, Herlings admits he's delighted with his current form.

After battling ACL and collarbone injuries, he's returned to fighting for race wins on a regular basis and leads the championship after claiming ten Grand Prix victories from the opening 16 rounds.

"I'm super, super happy," he said.  “I won like five races or something last year, but it wasn’t an easy one.  This year, to be back fighting for the championship again and winning races, I’m super, super pumped."

Five years ago, Herlings approached every race weekend with relentless pressure to perform.  Today, his outlook is very different.

“Right now, I enjoy it more," he said. "Back then it was all about, 'We have to perform, we have to do well.'"

Now, he races simply because he still loves the sport.

"I do it because I still enjoy doing it, because I like doing it and I’m having a good time at the races.  Obviously, with the new crew, we get along really well and I just do it because I still love doing it."

Despite an already glittering résumé, Herlings isn't finished writing his story.

His childhood dream of winning 10 world championships may now be unrealistic, he admits with a smile, but there is still one significant milestone in sight.

"I'd love to have the most podiums in MXGP history," he said.

Currently second on the all-time list, he trails Antonio Cairoli by around a dozen podium finishes - a record that now provides fresh motivation.

"Winning another championship or even more championships, that would be great."

For all his achievements, Herlings says the competitive fire continues to burn.

"I still enjoy racing and I still believe I can win," he said.

That belief drives him every weekend, not only for himself, but for everyone around him.

"I can still show what I'm capable of and go out and do my best and give people a good show, and give my fans and everyone, my family, the team, satisfaction.”

If he could line up against anyone from another era, Herlings' list includes some of motocross' biggest names.

Current AMA Supercross and Motocross star Jett Lawrence tops the list.  "I think at this point, I would love racing him.  I'm not sure if I got anything for him or if I can beat him, but I'm a big fan of his talent, his technique.  He's also a Honda HRC rider, so yeah, I would love that.”

He also names James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael as riders he always admired growing up.

Herlings laughs when asked where he sees himself in five years.  "Oh man, I'll be retired by then!"

After what will be nearly two decades in Grand Prix motocross, the Dutchman admits the prospect of slowing down sounds increasingly appealing.

"Since a kid, I've been always traveling the world and trying to be the best dirt bike rider I could have been and just sacrificed everything from the beginning."

Retirement, he says, will simply be about enjoying life without the constant pressure to perform.  "It'll be nice not having to race every weekend.  After 17 or 18 years in GPs, I'll be happy to call it a day."

For now, though, retirement can wait.  With race wins coming, records still within reach and the simple enjoyment of riding restored, Jeffrey Herlings has rediscovered exactly why he fell in love with motocross in the first place.