Fabio Quartararo delivers a lukewarm assessment of his 2025 MotoGP season, citing machinery limitations despite flashes of brilliance.

The 26-year-old Frenchman, riding for Yamaha, rated his own performance a modest five out of ten, despite a season marked by individual highlights against the backdrop of a struggling team. In a year where Yamaha faced considerable challenges, finishing behind Honda in the manufacturers’ championship standings, Quartararo managed to secure five pole positions and achieve three podium finishes across both sprint and grand prix races.

Quartararo stood out as the sole Yamaha rider consistently competing at the front of the grid. He amassed a total of 201 points, outscoring his Yamaha counterparts Alex Rins, Jack Miller, and Miguel Oliveira, who collectively earned 190 points. The season also saw Quartararo come close to ending a win drought stretching back to 2022, only to be thwarted by a technical malfunction while leading the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

However, despite his individual achievements, Quartararo expressed dissatisfaction with the overall season, citing frustration with the limitations of the Yamaha machinery. Speaking after the Valencia finale, Quartararo said, "From one to ten? Five. It was a difficult season, of course. I showed myself that I was fast. This was the most important thing." He added, speaking to TNT Sports, "We know how difficult it is to make results with our bike. But [there was] nothing really important to remember from this season."

The Valencia Grand Prix marked the conclusion of a demanding season for Quartararo, who emphasized the mental strain the 2025 MotoGP campaign had taken on him. "You know that you are not fighting for what you want. I’m giving my 100% all the time, but sometimes it’s P4, sometimes it’s P6, sometimes it’s P10, sometimes it’s on the ground," he stated. "But I really needed the season to finish, to also disconnect a bit, think a bit about many things, and I think [the winter break] will be a great time."

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Quartararo’s current contract with Yamaha is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season. The prospect of a renewal hinges significantly on Yamaha’s ability to make substantial progress with its new V4 engine bike. When asked if he was willing to allow the V4 project time to develop, Quartararo responded emphatically: "I have no time. I just want to try to make it work. If not, it will be time to make a change."

Fabio Quartararo joined the Yamaha factory team in 2021, quickly establishing himself as a frontrunner in the MotoGP championship. In his debut season with the team, he secured the MotoGP World Championship, marking Yamaha’s first title since Jorge Lorenzo in 2015. However, subsequent seasons have presented challenges as other manufacturers have improved their bikes.

Yamaha’s struggles in 2025 were not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader trend. The Japanese manufacturer has faced increasing competition from European brands such as Ducati and KTM, which have made significant advancements in engine performance, aerodynamics, and electronics. These advancements have allowed their riders to consistently outperform the Yamaha riders, leading to Yamaha falling behind in the manufacturers’ championship.

Alex Rins, who joined Yamaha for the 2025 season, also faced difficulties adapting to the M1 bike. Despite his experience with other manufacturers, including Honda and Suzuki, Rins struggled to find consistency and competitiveness on the Yamaha. His season was marred by crashes and technical issues, preventing him from achieving the results he had hoped for.

Jack Miller, another seasoned MotoGP rider, also faced challenges on his respective bike. Miller’s experience and aggressive riding style have made him a popular figure in the paddock, but he, too, struggled to extract the maximum performance from his machinery.

Miguel Oliveira, also with vast experience in MotoGP, encountered similar difficulties. Despite showing flashes of potential, Oliveira’s season was plagued by inconsistencies and mechanical problems. He was often unable to match the pace of the leading riders, further compounding the challenges faced by the team.

The technical problem that cost Quartararo the win at the British Grand Prix was a particularly bitter pill to swallow. After a strong qualifying performance, Quartararo had taken the lead and was controlling the race when a mechanical issue forced him to retire. This incident highlighted the reliability concerns that have plagued Yamaha in recent years, further adding to Quartararo’s frustration.

Quartararo’s comments about needing a break at the end of the season underscored the mental toll of competing at the highest level of motorsport. The constant pressure to perform, coupled with the challenges of riding an uncompetitive bike, can take a significant toll on a rider’s mental well-being. The winter break provides an opportunity for Quartararo to recharge and refocus ahead of the 2026 season.

The development of Yamaha’s new V4 engine is seen as crucial to the team’s future competitiveness. The current inline-four engine has been criticized for lacking top-end speed compared to the V4 engines used by Ducati and KTM. The new engine represents a significant departure from Yamaha’s traditional design philosophy and is intended to address the performance deficit.

However, the development of a new engine is a complex and time-consuming process. Yamaha faces the challenge of ensuring that the new engine is both powerful and reliable. The team must also integrate the new engine into the existing chassis and develop a suitable electronics package.

Quartararo’s ultimatum regarding the V4 engine reflects his determination to return to the top of the MotoGP standings. As a former world champion, he is unwilling to settle for anything less than a competitive bike. His comments suggest that he is prepared to consider other options if Yamaha is unable to provide him with the tools he needs to succeed.

The MotoGP landscape is constantly evolving, with manufacturers continually pushing the boundaries of technology and performance. Yamaha’s struggles in recent years serve as a reminder of the importance of continuous development and innovation. The team must address its weaknesses and capitalize on its strengths if it is to regain its position as a leading force in MotoGP.

As the 2026 season approaches, the pressure is on Yamaha to deliver a competitive package for Quartararo. The team’s success will depend on its ability to develop a powerful and reliable engine, integrate it into a well-balanced chassis, and provide Quartararo with the support he needs to perform at his best. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Quartararo remains with Yamaha or seeks opportunities elsewhere.

The stakes are high for both Quartararo and Yamaha. For Quartararo, the opportunity to compete for another world championship is at stake. For Yamaha, the future of its MotoGP program hangs in the balance. The decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on the sport.