Bagnaia Collapses Under Pressure: Has the MotoGP Champion Lost Form or Is He Just a Victim of GP25?

Francesco Bagnaia, affectionately known as “Pecco” in the MotoGP paddock, has recently found himself under a glaring spotlight—and not for the reasons fans have come to expect. After rising to the top of the sport and securing multiple world titles with Ducati, Bagnaia’s performance in the 2025 MotoGP season has become a central topic of discussion. His recent struggles raise a crucial question: has Bagnaia lost form, or is his dip in results more of a symptom of the challenges posed by the new GP25 Ducati prototype?

As the defending world champion, expectations are sky-high for Bagnaia. Yet, inconsistency, poor qualifying positions, and on-track errors have defined his early 2025 campaign. Critics argue that pressure may be taking its toll, while others suggest technical setbacks are the primary cause of his underwhelming results.

Bagnaia’s early season woes draw concern

Bagnaia entered the 2025 season as the man to beat. With back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 and a solid title defense in 2024, he was expected to continue dominating. However, the story thus far has been anything but a championship defense. Out of the first five races, Bagnaia has only managed one podium finish, with two races ending in DNF (Did Not Finish) due to crashes or technical issues.

What is especially alarming is not just the drop in form, but the manner in which it has unfolded. In Qatar and Argentina, Bagnaia appeared fast in practice but faltered during race day. Whether it’s a sudden lack of pace or questionable tire strategy, the reigning MotoGP champion hasn’t looked like his usual composed and clinical self.

Riders at this level rarely fall off unless something is truly wrong. For Bagnaia, the problem seems to be rooted either in the new machinery or the mental toll of carrying Ducati’s expectations into every race weekend.

The GP25 Ducati: Engineering marvel or unstable evolution?

The introduction of Ducati’s new GP25 was meant to further solidify their dominance. Building upon the immensely successful GP23 and GP24 models, the GP25 features improvements in aerodynamic efficiency, a revised chassis, and a new ride-height control system designed to enhance corner exits.

Yet, these upgrades haven’t translated into better lap times or consistency for Bagnaia. In fact, it seems the opposite has occurred. While his teammate Enea Bastianini has shown flashes of brilliance on the same machine, Bagnaia has struggled to find a setup that suits his riding style.

Several insiders suggest that the GP25 might be too refined in some areas, to the point that it has alienated its own star rider. Bagnaia has publicly stated that the bike feels “unpredictable” under heavy braking and in mid-corner transitions—two areas where he typically excels.

This tension between man and machine is reminiscent of past MotoGP dramas, where even legendary riders like Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo found themselves hampered by factory decisions or machinery that didn’t align with their natural riding instincts.

Is the mental pressure mounting?

Success brings scrutiny. As a two-time world champion and team leader at Ducati Lenovo, Bagnaia is under constant pressure to perform. Every time he falls short of a podium, questions arise about his focus, his decisions, and whether he can still lead the team effectively.

Bagnaia is known for his calm and composed demeanor, but even the most poised champions can waver under the pressure cooker environment of MotoGP. With rising stars like Pedro Acosta, Jorge Martin, and even Marc Márquez showing consistent pace this season, Bagnaia’s position at the top is no longer secure.

The Italian media has been particularly unforgiving, speculating on his mental resilience and leadership capabilities. While Bagnaia has so far handled criticism with grace, his visible frustration after the latest DNF in Le Mans told a different story. Throwing his gloves, shaking his head, and refusing post-race interviews sparked even more debate about his state of mind.

The growing threat of Ducati teammates

One element adding further complexity is the performance of his fellow Ducati riders. Enea Bastianini, Bagnaia’s current teammate, has shown a more adaptable approach to the GP25. Meanwhile, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi are frequently outpacing Bagnaia, albeit on slightly different spec bikes.

If Bagnaia cannot consistently outperform his own brand colleagues, it raises significant questions about Ducati’s internal hierarchy. With so much talent in the factory and satellite teams, the Bologna-based manufacturer has a tough decision to make: stick with their current lead rider or gradually shift their focus to a younger, more adaptable contender.

There is no official talk of replacing Bagnaia, but the paddock whispers are growing louder. In MotoGP, as in all elite sports, past glory offers limited protection in the face of current struggles.

Can Bagnaia bounce back?

It would be premature to count Bagnaia out. Champions, by nature, are resilient. The Italian rider has shown in the past that he can learn from mistakes, regroup, and return stronger. His miraculous 2022 championship win after a 91-point deficit is a testament to that.

However, time is not on his side. With the 2025 calendar tightening and competition fiercer than ever, Bagnaia must find answers—and fast. Whether it’s a technical breakthrough with the GP25, a reset of his mental approach, or a strategic overhaul of how he and his crew operate on race weekends, something must change.

Bagnaia’s adaptability is being tested like never before. In the modern MotoGP era, where tenths of a second separate heroes from also-rans, he cannot afford to dwell on what’s gone wrong. The next few races will be crucial. Strong performances at circuits like Mugello and Assen—where he’s enjoyed success before—could shift the narrative back in his favor.

MotoGP’s unforgiving nature

MotoGP doesn’t allow for extended slumps. While Formula 1 drivers may have seasons to rebuild, MotoGP riders face weekly judgment. The margin for error is minuscule, and one bad season can dramatically reshape a career trajectory.

Bagnaia’s current challenges aren’t unique, but the intensity of the spotlight is amplified due to his recent success. Every lap, every decision, every post-race comment is being dissected in real-time. That’s the price of being at the top.

The most concerning aspect for fans isn’t just the loss of form—it’s the sense that Bagnaia may not be enjoying himself. His body language, interactions with the team, and race demeanor suggest a man feeling the weight of expectation more than the thrill of competition.

The road ahead: What must change

To turn things around, a few key changes may be necessary. First, Ducati engineers must work closely with Bagnaia to customize the GP25’s setup to his needs, even if that means deviating from the development path favored by other riders. Second, Bagnaia and his management must reinforce confidence—whether through sports psychology, improved communication, or simply recalibrating goals for the season.

Finally, Bagnaia must return to his roots. His earlier success was built on smooth, mistake-free riding and impeccable race craft. If he can block out external noise and focus purely on the ride, there’s no doubt he can still compete at the highest level.

Final thoughts: Crisis or growing pains?

The 2025 MotoGP season has not unfolded as Bagnaia or Ducati hoped. The question remains: is this merely a rough patch, or are we witnessing a more permanent shift in the MotoGP hierarchy?

Bagnaia’s reputation remains largely intact—for now. But reputations alone don’t win races. If he wants to be remembered among the greats, he must prove that he can fight through adversity and return to form, even when the odds seem stacked against him.

Whether the issue lies in the bike, the mental strain, or a combination of both, the next few races could determine the long-term direction of Bagnaia’s career. For fans of MotoGP, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on #63 every time the lights go out.