Alguersuari’s Shocking Warning: Bagnaia is Experiencing a Mental Breakdown, Ducati Will Replace the Champion if the Crisis Continues

In the ever-competitive world of MotoGP, reputations can rise and fall with each lap. And for reigning world champion Pecco Bagnaia, the 2025 season has become a storm he’s struggling to weather. Once hailed as Ducati’s golden boy, Bagnaia is now the subject of fierce criticism, most recently from ex-F1 driver turned MotoGP analyst Jaime Alguersuari, who didn’t mince his words in his post-race analysis of the British Grand Prix.

Alguersuari’s Brutal Assessment of Bagnaia’s Mental State

“Pecco, who is a great person, a true gentleman, is currently lost and nowhere to be seen. He’s confused, anxious, deeply disoriented,” Alguersuari declared in his race review, striking a chord with fans and insiders alike. It was a sobering observation from someone with racing pedigree, and one that echoed concerns that have been growing within the MotoGP paddock for weeks.

Alguersuari’s tone was not malicious but seemed laced with disappointment. He emphasized that this wasn’t just a slump—this was a crisis of form and identity. For a champion, especially one at the helm of a powerful machine like the Ducati Desmosedici, such struggles are magnified.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Bagnaia’s stats in 2025 make for difficult reading. After dominating the 2022 and 2023 seasons and narrowly defending his title in 2024, his podium appearances have dried up. His average race finish has dropped outside the top six, and he’s suffered multiple low placements and even one DNF in the first half of the season.

For a rider who built his championship credentials on consistency and intelligent racecraft, these figures are a red flag. Ducati’s expectations are sky-high, and with the factory team’s immense resources and the emergence of new talents, patience is not eternal.

Márquez and Rins: A Brutal Comparison

Alguersuari didn’t stop at criticizing Bagnaia’s form. He drew direct comparisons with Marc Márquez and Alex Rins, two riders who have been outperforming expectations.

“Marc is back at the top, against all predictions. Alex is second. And Pecco? Missing in action,” he remarked.

Márquez, in particular, has shocked the world with his resurgence. Having joined Ducati’s satellite team Gresini Racing, he has found a new lease on life. Despite riding a slightly older spec machine than Bagnaia, he has delivered stunning results, reminding everyone of his multiple world championships.

Meanwhile, Alex Rins, often underappreciated, has climbed the standings with a series of strong, intelligent rides that have kept him in the championship conversation. Both men have highlighted Bagnaia’s current weaknesses by sheer contrast.

Ducati’s Dilemma: Loyalty vs. Results

The most troubling aspect of Alguersuari’s commentary was his suggestion that Ducati may soon be forced to act.

“If Pecco doesn’t fix this soon, Ducati will seriously have to consider alternatives. And there are people waiting for this chance,” he warned.

While Ducati has publicly stood by Bagnaia so far, the tone within the paddock is shifting. Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna has always made it clear that results determine long-term commitment. The Italian manufacturer has invested heavily in talent acquisition and technical development. If a rider can’t keep up, there is no shortage of candidates ready to take his place.

Who Could Replace Bagnaia?

If Ducati were to explore options beyond Bagnaia, several names come to mind. Marc Márquez, despite currently being with Gresini, is riding a Ducati and proving that he can still win. His adaptation to the bike has been faster than many expected, and with his contract up for renewal soon, a switch to the factory team isn’t out of the question.

Another potential candidate is Jorge Martín, who narrowly lost the 2023 title to Bagnaia and continues to push the limits with Pramac Racing. Martín has shown growth in maturity and consistency—key traits that the factory team values.

There’s also Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is expected to join MotoGP full-time by 2026. His immense talent and charisma make him an attractive future star, and if Bagnaia’s slide continues, Ducati may expedite that timeline.

What’s Gone Wrong for Bagnaia?

Several theories have been floated to explain Bagnaia’s decline. One is the pressure of defending the title and living up to the legacy he started building. Another is that the 2025 Ducati GP25 may not suit his riding style as well as previous models.

Insiders have also suggested that internal changes within Ducati’s engineering team may have disrupted the synergy Bagnaia previously enjoyed. Unlike Márquez, who thrives in chaos and instability, Bagnaia is a rhythm rider. When that rhythm is broken, so too is his performance.

Mental Struggles: A Hidden Obstacle

Alguersuari hinted at something deeper than just technical or tactical issues: mental fatigue. Being a world champion in MotoGP isn’t just about being fast—it requires resilience, focus, and the ability to cope with immense pressure.

“He’s anxious, confused, disoriented,” Alguersuari said, painting the picture of a rider battling demons inside his own helmet. That vulnerability is rare in MotoGP, but when it surfaces, it can be career-threatening.

Bagnaia’s Response to the Criticism

Bagnaia, for his part, hasn’t lashed out or made excuses. In interviews, he’s acknowledged the slump but remains focused on “working with the team and getting back to my best.”

His response has been calm and measured, but results must follow. Words mean little when the stopwatch and the standings continue to betray you. The upcoming races, particularly the next few European rounds, could define his future at Ducati.

What Ducati Needs from Bagnaia Now

Ducati needs a leader, a fighter, and a winner. They invested in Bagnaia not just as a racer, but as a symbol of a new generation of Italian success. His bond with the team has been one of the great stories in recent MotoGP history. But stories alone won’t keep him on the bike.

They need him to take control, find his rhythm, and fight back—not just with words, but with lap times and racecraft. They need the Pecco who tamed Quartararo in 2022, and who held off Martín in 2023.

What Fans Are Saying

Fans are divided. Many still support Bagnaia, remembering the magic he delivered over the past three seasons. Others, however, are beginning to side with Alguersuari’s assessment, questioning whether Bagnaia has what it takes to lead Ducati through its most competitive era yet.

Social media is filled with debates, clips of Márquez overtaking Bagnaia, and calls for Ducati to give someone else a chance. This split reflects a broader uncertainty that could affect Bagnaia’s confidence further.