The phrase winning breeds success is only partially true. Winning, especially on the highest level, also breeds a burning desire that can only be satisfied by winning more. But in MotoGP, the highest level of sport bike racing, not everyone can win each race. But for Brad Binder, first ever South African winner of a MotoGP race, that is not enough.
Even though Binder has accomplished something no other countryman has ever done, one win just isn’t enough.
As the MotoGP season heads for its three race back-to-back season finish, the new film ‘Brad Binder: Becoming 33’ shares his story of of fuel and passion.
Brad Binder is seen during French MotoGP in Le Mans, France on October 9, 2020 // Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool // SI202010090261 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Brad Binder performs during French MotoGP in Le Mans, France on October 9, 2020 // Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool // SI202010090263 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Brad Binder performs during the MotoGP World Championship in Aragon, Spain on October 24, 2020. // Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool // SI202010240249 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Brad Binder performs during the MotoGP World Championship in Aragon, Spain on October 24, 2020. // Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool // SI202010240256 // Usage for editorial use only //
Even though Binder had won a championship in Moto3 and had come very close in Moto2, very little was known about him when he burst onto the scene claiming his historic first victory in the third round of the season in Brno, Czech Republic.
“It has been the best part of ten years working my way into MotoGP,” said Binder, “The first win is the hardest one, it is always the toughest one to get to. Getting to that second was easier in my Moto3 and Moto2 career but getting to number two in MotoGP against the best riders around the world is more difficult. The main thing I keep in focus is that it is still all about the ride. Some days you are going to have a really great day on the bike and other days are going to be a struggle. When things aren’t working in your favor, they become learning lessons and you have to find the positives to take from it so you can get better. But really, in those terrible times, that is what makes the great times and the winning so much better.”
Media credit: Brad Binder was speaking following the launch of the documentary ‘Brad Binder: Becoming 33’, available exclusively on Red Bull TV. For more info visit http://redbull.com/becoming33
Binder became Moto3 World Champion, graduated to Moto2 and took 5 wins in the 2019 season to claim his place at the summit of MotoGP, taking on a new race number of 33 to echo his initials. But even with all his personal success, Binder credits having a great team around him to support his talent for racing.
“My career trajectory changed when I went from smaller teams that struggled to support themselves to getting signed by Red Bull KTM,” said Binder. “All of the hard work and the tough days that built to that moment pay off and when you are backed from by a factory program, it boosts your confidence. When you have a strong team that all plays a role in the drive to winning, you are able to focus more on your role on the team to maximize your effort and when each individual on the team brings their best, you all win together. There is no guessing in how to create success. Each individual knows their role and performs it well.”
‘Brad Binder: Becoming 33’ features family interviews and archive footage starting right back where it all began with his childhood in South Africa. The documentary is available exclusively on Red Bull TV today November 5 with the best viewing experience of the film through the Red Bull TV App.
“It is obviously a huge honor to be the first South African to win in MotoGP, but it is only the first step,” said Binder. “I want to be the first world champion in MotoGP from there as well. I have been a world champion in Moto3 and came so close in Moto2 and now it is time to get the job done in MotoGP. I am a proud South African, and to have an entire country behind you supporting you along with a great team in the paddock, winning is the best way to show how much that means to me.”