Not the Bike, Not the Team – Miguel Oliveira Takes Full Blame for This Disastrous Season

In a sport where finger-pointing and external blame are often the norm, Miguel Oliveira has taken a refreshingly honest route. The Portuguese MotoGP star has publicly accepted full responsibility for his disappointing results this season, declaring that the blame does not lie with the Yamaha M1 but squarely with his own performance.

With the 2025 MotoGP season at its halfway point, Oliveira’s candid self-criticism adds a new layer of intrigue to Yamaha’s dramatic revival and internal competitiveness.

“It’s My Level, Not the Bike”: Oliveira’s Honest Admission

Miguel Oliveira, now a Yamaha factory rider, has found himself far behind teammates Fabio Quartararo and Jack Miller, both of whom have delivered strong results in recent rounds. While Yamaha’s struggles in 2023 were widely documented, the 2025 season has shown signs of recovery. But Oliveira hasn’t been part of that resurgence.

“Currently, it’s all about my level, not the bike’s,” he admitted after the British Grand Prix. “We’ve seen that the bike is strong, especially in qualifying.”

That type of transparency is rare in MotoGP, and it signals Oliveira’s determination to improve rather than deflect blame. Despite riding a motorcycle that is clearly capable—demonstrated by Quartararo’s near-victory at Silverstone and Miller’s top-10 finishes—Oliveira remains buried in the lower positions.

Yamaha’s Resurgence Leaves Oliveira Isolated

The Yamaha M1, once considered outdated and underpowered, has started to show real promise. Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, has earned three consecutive pole positions and nearly secured a heroic win at Silverstone before a ride height device failure ruined his day. Jack Miller, despite transitioning from Ducati to Yamaha, has found increasing comfort with the M1 and finished P7 at Silverstone after qualifying in P6.

In contrast, Miguel Oliveira has been unable to capitalize on the bike’s improvement. Yamaha’s updated chassis, better electronics, and refined aerodynamics have allowed their riders to compete with the likes of Ducati and Aprilia. But Oliveira remains off the pace, struggling to break into the top ten.

Injury and Adaptation: A Tough Start to 2025

One of the key factors that have held Oliveira back is an unfortunate shoulder injury sustained during a high-impact crash at the Argentine Grand Prix earlier this season. The collision, which was not his fault, forced him to miss key races and disrupted the momentum of his adaptation to the Yamaha.

“Coming into this season, I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Oliveira said. “Switching manufacturers and then getting injured—it’s been a challenging few months. I’m still working through it.”

This physical setback, coupled with limited preseason testing and his unfamiliarity with the Yamaha’s characteristics, has created a perfect storm of underperformance.

Team Chemistry and Internal Pressure

The situation is made more difficult by Yamaha’s newfound optimism. Quartararo and Miller are not just outperforming Oliveira—they’re raising the bar within the garage. Yamaha’s engineers and crew chiefs have poured resources into improving the M1, and both top riders are providing valuable data.

Oliveira, however, has struggled to contribute in the same way.

“I know I have to pull my weight,” he said. “This team expects results, and I expect more from myself too.”

With Gigi Dall’Igna’s Ducati still the benchmark in MotoGP, Yamaha is desperate to close the gap. Quartararo’s Silverstone performance hinted that a full recovery may be possible. Miller’s consistent development adds to that belief. Oliveira, now under more pressure than ever, must prove he can keep pace with his teammates.

The Importance of Mental Resilience

The mental side of racing cannot be underestimated, especially in the highly competitive world of MotoGP. Oliveira has remained level-headed in the face of adversity—a key quality that could prove decisive as the season unfolds.

“I’m working on my confidence and rhythm,” he explained. “I’ve always believed that mental strength is just as important as technical skill.”

Oliveira has shown flashes of brilliance in the past. During his time with KTM, he earned multiple wins, including his famous last-lap victory at the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix. He’s proven that he can deliver under pressure—but doing it on a new machine in a struggling team is a different kind of challenge.

Oliveira’s Role in Yamaha’s Long-Term Project

Yamaha isn’t looking for a short-term fix. Their 2025 revival is part of a broader multi-year plan to return to the top of MotoGP. Oliveira, known for his analytical approach and technical feedback, was brought in partly because of his developmental skillset.

MotoGP insiders believe that Yamaha still has faith in Oliveira. The Portuguese rider is considered one of the smartest on the grid—his background in mechanical engineering allows him to provide detailed feedback that few can match. Yamaha is betting on his long-term value, even if the short-term results aren’t there yet.

“We’re still building something,” Oliveira said. “I just want to be part of that success when it comes.”

Public Support from Team Management

Despite the disappointing results, Yamaha team principal Lin Jarvis publicly defended Oliveira after the German Grand Prix, stating:

“Miguel is a fighter. He’s dealing with more than people realize. He’s not giving excuses, and that’s the kind of character we want in our team.”

Jarvis emphasized the importance of patience and continued support, especially during a rider’s adaptation period.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Summer Stretch

The upcoming races will be crucial for Oliveira. With rounds in Austria, Misano, and India, the Portuguese rider must show tangible improvement. These circuits, known for their technical demands and emphasis on braking stability, could play to Oliveira’s strengths.

He has been working closely with his crew chief on fine-tuning corner entry and rear grip—two areas that have limited his performance in recent races.

“Each race is an opportunity,” Oliveira said. “I’m focused on building momentum.”

Can Oliveira Turn It Around?

The big question is whether Miguel Oliveira can rediscover the form that once made him one of the most promising talents in MotoGP. He has the skill, the intelligence, and now the experience. What’s missing is consistency and confidence on the Yamaha.

His willingness to shoulder the blame is rare and admirable. But MotoGP is a results-driven sport. If Oliveira can’t begin climbing the standings soon, questions about his future will inevitably arise—especially with young talents like Pedro Acosta and Alonso Lopez knocking on the door.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in Oliveira’s Career

The 2025 MotoGP season may well be the most defining year in Miguel Oliveira’s career. His public acknowledgment of responsibility, his fight back from injury, and the high expectations within Yamaha make this a season filled with pressure—but also with potential.

Yamaha is rising. Fabio Quartararo and Jack Miller are pushing the boundaries. Now, all eyes are on Oliveira to show that he belongs at the sharp end of MotoGP’s toughest competition.

With the season’s second half approaching fast, one thing is certain: Oliveira’s story is far from over, and the next few races could either make or break his legacy in MotoGP.