Shocked by Domizia Castagnini’s Account: What Difficulties Is Pecco Bagnaia Facing in Recent Races?

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, has found himself in a curious position this season. While the results still hint at competitiveness, those closest to him, including his longtime partner Domizia Castagnini, have revealed a deeper, more personal struggle that may be affecting his recent performances. In a sport where milliseconds count and mental sharpness is as vital as physical preparation, Bagnaia’s recent hurdles are drawing attention—and concern.

So, what exactly is going on with the Ducati star? What difficulties is Pecco Bagnaia facing in recent races? Let’s explore the technical, emotional, and psychological terrain of his recent dip in form—and why Domizia’s surprising remarks have shaken fans and paddock insiders alike.

A Season of Unexpected Challenges

Pecco Bagnaia entered the 2025 MotoGP season as the man to beat. After dominating in 2022 and fending off fierce challengers in 2023 and 2024, the Ducati ace was expected to continue his winning streak. But despite podiums and flashes of brilliance, the consistency that defined his previous title runs appears to be waning.

Race after race, Bagnaia has faced difficulties—not always visible from the grandstands, but obvious in lap times, qualifying performances, and body language.

Domizia Castagnini, his trusted companion who has been by his side through thick and thin, recently shared an emotional and candid perspective that stunned fans.

Domizia Castagnini Speaks Out: “It’s Been a Lot Mentally”

In a recent interview with an Italian lifestyle magazine, Domizia opened up about Pecco Bagnaia’s emotional state in recent months.

“People see the podiums and the Ducati. But they don’t see what it takes out of him. The pressure, the criticism—sometimes, he takes it too personally. It’s been a lot mentally.”

Domizia’s words reflect something that many fans overlook: even the world’s fastest riders are human. Behind the helmet, Pecco isn’t just a racer—he’s a person navigating enormous public expectations, internal pressure, and the strain of maintaining championship form in a sport that is unforgiving.

Her comments sparked instant reactions on social media, with many fans expressing surprise and admiration for the couple’s honesty. Others speculated whether Bagnaia’s mental strain might be tied to the ever-growing rivalry within Ducati’s own garage.

The Ducati Power Struggle

It’s no secret that Ducati has one of the most competitive line-ups in the paddock. With Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, and rising stars like Marc Marquez all battling under the Ducati umbrella, the internal pressure is intense.

Bagnaia, as the factory rider and reigning champion, is expected to deliver—not just for himself, but for the brand that has become synonymous with his name. But this season, Marquez’s arrival at Gresini Ducati and Martin’s explosive form have created an internal war that’s difficult to ignore.

Bagnaia must not only win races but also prove he’s still Ducati’s best bet for future titles. That’s an enormous burden, especially when rivals are closing the gap or even outperforming him in certain conditions.

Technical Challenges Behind the Scenes

While emotional and mental stress play a major role, technical issues have also haunted Bagnaia’s 2025 campaign. Despite riding what many consider the best bike on the grid, Pecco’s feedback after several rounds has been strikingly honest.

“The bike is still fast, but it’s not as easy to ride as people think. You feel every tenth of a second in the corner exits. If the setup is just a little off, it shows.”

Bagnaia’s qualifying performances have been erratic. While he remains competitive during race day, starting further back has forced him to fight through the pack—something he excels at, but which adds stress and increases risk.

There are also whispers about a lack of traction in mid-corner exits and braking stability under hard pressure—areas where competitors like KTM and Aprilia have closed the gap.

Fatigue, Travel, and the Human Factor

The demanding travel schedule of MotoGP, with races across continents nearly every other weekend, has also taken a toll on Bagnaia. Domizia revealed that the constant movement and disruption of normal routines have impacted their daily lives.

“It’s exhausting. From Japan to Argentina, from sprint races to media commitments, it’s all non-stop. You can’t recharge unless the team lets you.”

This year, Bagnaia has made multiple comments about the intensity of the calendar and how it leaves little time for mental reset. This constant drain can manifest in small mistakes, slow starts, or hesitance in wheel-to-wheel situations.

The Weight of Being a Champion

With the title comes the spotlight—and scrutiny. Every mistake Bagnaia makes is magnified. Every comment is dissected. Every crash or misjudged turn becomes headline material.

His interview after the Catalan Grand Prix was particularly telling:

“It feels like you can never be good enough. Even if you finish second, people ask, ‘Why didn’t you win?’ That pressure—it builds.”

When a champion is expected to win every race, a third-place finish can feel like a defeat. This unrealistic expectation feeds a cycle of self-doubt, something even the strongest riders struggle with.

Support From Inside the Paddock

Despite the challenges, Bagnaia has received unwavering support from teammates and rivals alike. Even Marc Marquez—normally seen as a fierce rival—recently praised Pecco’s mental strength:

“Bagnaia is a true champion. He’s not just fast, he’s smart. And trust me, it’s harder to stay at the top than to get there.”

Factory Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi also expressed confidence, saying:

“We trust Pecco. He’s analyzing the data, pushing for better results, and most importantly—he’s honest with himself.”

The Silver Lining: Moments of Brilliance Still Shine Through

Despite everything, Bagnaia has shown flashes of brilliance. His last-lap defense against Martin in Mugello was hailed as “champion-caliber.” And his aggressive comeback in Sachsenring after a poor qualifying demonstrated that his talent remains undiminished.

Domizia, too, remains confident:

“He’s still got the fire. He just needs the balance. Once he finds it again, the world will remember why he’s the champion.”

The Road Ahead: Redemption or Regret?

MotoGP is a marathon, not a sprint. With many races remaining in the 2025 season, Bagnaia still has ample opportunity to turn things around. But doing so may require not just technical improvements, but a deeper reckoning with the mental strain of elite racing.

Will Bagnaia rise again? History suggests he will. But the journey may be more difficult than ever before.

Conclusion: The Hidden Struggles of a Champion

Pecco Bagnaia’s current challenges remind us that being at the top is never easy. The expectations, pressure, and personal toll can erode even the strongest foundation. But champions are defined not just by their victories—but by how they respond to adversity.

With the support of Domizia Castagnini, his team, and his fans, Bagnaia has every tool to reclaim his dominance. The coming months will be a defining chapter in his legacy.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Pecco—it’s that you can never count him out.