[1] In the MXGP class, Tim Gajser started the season as the reigning champion after picking up his fourth world title in 2020.

In MX2, Tom Vialle was the defending champion as he picked up his maiden world title in the previous year.

The 2021 season saw the debut of Beta as a manufacturer in the MXGP class.

[1] Russian athletes competed as a neutral competitors using the designation MFR (Motorcycle Federation of Russia), as the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a ban on Russia competing at World Championships.

The ban was implemented by the World Anti-Doping Agency in response to state-sponsored doping program of Russian athletes.