Fabio Quartararo Contemplates Exit Amid Yamaha’s Performance Crisis, Commits to Future with Renewed Hope

Fabio Quartararo expressed readiness to part ways with Yamaha's MotoGP squad due to challenges

The titleholder of 2021 disclosed his near departure from Yamaha by 2025

Fabio Quartararo expressed his willingness to part ways with Yamaha after the 2024 MotoGP season, citing the Japanese manufacturer's decline in performance as the reason.

The rider from France first competed in MotoGP with Yamaha under the Petronas SRT banner in 2019, then transitioned to the main Yamaha team in 2021, where he secured the championship.

In 2022, Quartararo was in contention for his second championship title, but in 2023, he hasn't secured a single race victory. Additionally, Yamaha hasn't achieved any podium finishes this season, and Quartararo had a third-place finish in the Jerez sprint revoked due to a penalty related to tyre pressure.

In 2025, the rider market was significantly influenced by the 2021 world champion. The French rider gave considerable thought to a proposal from Aprilia, but ultimately chose to stay with Yamaha, signing a lucrative two-year contract.

During a conversation on YouTube with 'Legend', Quartararo disclosed, "Yamaha is an iconic team.

"Ever since I was young, I aspired to visit that place because Valentino Rossi was present there."

I was prepared to part ways with this brand; despite it being my ideal team, I sensed it was time to move on.

"Yamaha has implemented significant modifications, pouring substantial resources into the endeavor by bringing on board numerous new engineers."

"Being significantly behind in the market is also detrimental for Yamaha as a brand."

"Regrettably, returning to a leading position isn't a matter of weeks or months; it appears to be a process that spans years."

"The reason I chose to remain with Yamaha was influenced by witnessing discussions with individuals from different companies, all of whom were engaged in significant projects."

"This is what motivated me to extend my contract with Yamaha for another two years."

Max Bartolini's transition from Ducati to Yamaha, taking up the role of technical director, played a significant role in Quartararo's decision to stick with the Japanese brand.

Throughout the 2024 racing season, Yamaha has taken full advantage of its concession privileges, carrying out multiple tests during the season and launching a wide array of new products, marking a departure from its traditionally more conservative strategy.

Yamaha is now moving away from its traditional inline-four engine approach, opting for a V4 engine starting in 2025.

Quartararo has acknowledged that Yamaha's gradual improvement in 2024 comes after a period of struggle since 2022, which has been challenging for him.

"I've been dealing with issues related to the bicycle as well as facing some psychological challenges, in my opinion," he further stated.

Ultimately, after dedicating four years to contending for the championship, it feels odd to conclude one year in tenth place.

"It leads you to question your own perceptions, wondering, 'Am I the problem, what's going on?'"

"Over the past two years, there hasn't been any progress on our part, while our competitors have significantly advanced."

Currently, we're not leading, yet I believe I've gained significant insight on maintaining composure and, most importantly, focusing on enhancing the bike's performance as effectively as we can.

"However, it's accurate to say that it was challenging on a mental level."

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