Fabio Quartararo is ready for a new project if Yamaha “doesn’t succeed.”

Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP world champion and currently one of the best-paid riders in the sport, has offered a blunt and emotional take on his MotoGP future, making it clear that his current commitment to Yamaha comes with expectations — and an ultimatum. With a lucrative €12 million per season deal keeping him at Yamaha until the end of 2026, the Frenchman is caught between loyalty and ambition, as his team slowly claws its way back to competitiveness.

Quartararo’s raw honesty comes amid a season where he has shown glimpses of brilliance and heartbreak — none more painful than the recent British Grand Prix, where he was forced to retire from the lead due to a mechanical failure. Despite this setback, the 25-year-old is still clinging to hope that Yamaha’s ongoing transformation will ultimately bear fruit.

“I Believe in the Project — But I Will Leave if it Fails”

Speaking to DAZN, Fabio Quartararo did not sugarcoat his mindset:

“I really believe a lot in that project, but I know that if it doesn’t work out I will go to a project that is already ready.”

This brutally candid statement encapsulates his current stance — committed but not blindly loyal. While he has long been the cornerstone of Yamaha’s MotoGP program, Quartararo is also aware that time is ticking and his prime years are not unlimited.

This is not just about money or loyalty — it’s about winning. Quartararo wants to fight for world titles, not languish in midfield battles. His message is clear: he’s willing to walk away if Yamaha doesn’t deliver soon.

Yamaha’s Revival: Signs of a New Era

After years of struggling in the shadows of Ducati’s dominance, Yamaha’s MotoGP team is finally showing signs of resurgence. For the first time in nearly two seasons, the Japanese manufacturer is starting to close the gap to the front-runners, thanks to a series of technical upgrades and organizational overhauls.

One of the most pivotal moves was securing a deal with the Pramac Racing Team, which effectively doubles Yamaha’s data pool and rider feedback. This partnership has already started paying dividends.

“Dealing with the Japanese has always been good, sometimes too slow,” Quartararo admitted.
“But those who are here have already become a bit European as well. We are not going to wait two months to see if an improvement passes the test of so many kilometers; if the changes work, we put them in.”

These changes speak volumes about Yamaha’s shift in development culture. Traditionally methodical — often to the point of being sluggish — the team now appears ready to adopt a more aggressive and responsive development cycle.

Pole Positions and Broken Hearts: Quartararo’s Rollercoaster Season

Despite the ongoing performance challenges, Fabio Quartararo has managed to maintain an incredibly high level of personal performance. The Frenchman has recently secured three consecutive pole positions, a remarkable feat that signals just how much raw speed the new Yamaha M1 possesses.

But speed over one lap is not the same as Sunday race pace. Quartararo and Yamaha still struggle with straight-line speed and endurance — critical areas where Ducati and KTM excel.

The most gut-wrenching moment of Quartararo’s season came at Silverstone, where he was leading the British Grand Prix and looked poised for a dramatic and emotional victory. But disaster struck.

A failure in his ride height device forced him to retire from the lead, a moment that left him visibly emotional and in tears.

It was the latest reminder that while progress is being made, the Yamaha project is not yet championship-ready.

Yamaha’s Evolution: Data, Development, and Determination

The partnership with Pramac Racing marks a turning point in Yamaha’s MotoGP journey. By expanding their rider lineup and technical staff, Yamaha is now benefiting from greater feedback loops, more varied riding styles, and an accelerated path toward improvement.

The days of waiting “two months” to test a new component, as Quartararo bluntly stated, are becoming a thing of the past. This Europeanization of Yamaha’s structure, with a stronger presence of ex-Ducati and European engineers, is starting to bear fruit.

Yamaha has reportedly been working aggressively on engine upgrades, aerodynamic packages, and electronics, narrowing the gap to Ducati and Aprilia in sectors where they previously lagged. Quartararo’s recent qualifying performances show that over one lap, Yamaha is back in the game.

Quartararo’s Legacy and Decision Window

As the 2026 season approaches, Fabio Quartararo finds himself at a crossroads. Despite his youth, he’s already one of MotoGP’s most experienced and successful riders. He has carried Yamaha through difficult years, often performing beyond what the machinery allowed.

But patience, even for a champion, has its limits.

Quartararo knows he has multiple suitors. Teams like KTM, Aprilia, or even Ducati’s satellite teams would jump at the chance to sign him if he became available. His next move could define the second chapter of his career.

Whether he chooses to stay and bring Yamaha back to the top — or jump to a ready-made title contender — will hinge on what happens in the next 12 to 18 months.

The Bigger Picture: Yamaha vs Ducati vs The Grid

MotoGP 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in years. Ducati remains the team to beat, with riders like Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Enea Bastianini showcasing incredible race pace and top-speed dominance.

KTM, bolstered by Brad Binder and Jack Miller, continues to make noise with an aggressive, high-risk development strategy. Meanwhile, Aprilia has taken massive steps forward, thanks to riders like Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales.

In this cutthroat environment, Yamaha has no choice but to evolve or perish. Quartararo’s future, and the fate of the Yamaha project, are now intrinsically linked.

What’s Next for Quartararo and Yamaha?

The remainder of the 2025 MotoGP season will be critical for both Quartararo and Yamaha. While the team is showing signs of resurgence, they still need to prove they can deliver:

• Consistent Sunday race pace

• Mechanical reliability

• Straight-line speed parity with Ducati

• Tangible podium and win results

Quartararo’s contract may run until 2026, but the Frenchman made it clear — his loyalty is not blind. He’s fully committed to Yamaha only as long as they are committed to winning.

And if that doesn’t happen?

“I will go to a project that is already ready.”

It’s a line that will send shivers through Yamaha’s management and delight rival teams across the paddock.

Conclusion: Time is Ticking for Yamaha

Fabio Quartararo’s honesty is not a threat — it’s a call to action. Yamaha has been given a golden opportunity to retain one of the best riders of his generation, but the clock is ticking. Quartararo won’t wait forever, and he’s made that crystal clear.

The next year and a half could determine whether Yamaha rises back to championship glory — or whether Quartararo moves on to chase greatness elsewhere.

For now, the Frenchman rides with fire, belief, and just a hint of impatience — all ingredients that could make 2025 and 2026 some of MotoGP’s most compelling seasons yet.