Fabio Quartararo Reflects on Difficult Yamaha Seasons and Upcoming Move to Honda
The 2021 MotoGP world champion admitted that struggling seasons led him to question his own abilities before realizing his machinery was the limiting factor.
MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo has opened up about a challenging period in his career, admitting that a lack of competitive results caused him to temporarily doubt his own talent. After securing the world championship in 2021 and fighting for the title the following year, the French rider watched as his Yamaha machine steadily lost ground to increasingly competitive European manufacturers.
During several difficult seasons, the prolonged absence of victories led the rider to question whether his skills were fading or if the motorcycle was to blame. "I never stopped believing in myself, but there is always a little slump where you ask yourself: is it the motorcycle or is it me?" Quartararo explained.
The turning point arrived in 2025, when Quartararo secured five pole positions, including three consecutively. Those qualifying results served as definitive proof that his speed on a single lap had not disappeared and that he remained fully capable of competing at the highest level when given adequate equipment.
"In 2024, I was at the bottom, basically, and in 2025, suddenly, I did those poles because I have the speed: three consecutive and five in all," Quartararo stated. He added that the experience helped him regain his faith and recognize that his potential relies heavily on the technical resources provided by his team.
Reflecting on his performances, Quartararo emphasized that his raw speed remains intact. "I don't lose speed. I know what I'm missing to be at the front and I know that, when I have the weapons to fight, I can be there," he said.
These candid reflections carry significant implications for Yamaha, particularly as the French star prepares to leave the Japanese constructor at the conclusion of his contract to join Honda. By concluding that his struggles stemmed from the machinery rather than his own driving, Quartararo leaves his current team with a pointed and stark assessment.
Looking ahead, the upcoming technical changes and the introduction of the 850cc regulations in 2027 will reshuffle the competitive hierarchy in the MotoGP paddock. For Quartararo, his impending switch to Honda represents more than a simple team change; it serves as a critical opportunity to secure a motorcycle capable of converting his enduring speed into consistent race victories.