Pecco Bagnaia Admits Incompatibility with Ducati 2025: ‘Going Crazy’ But Still Determined to Conquer New Challenges

In a surprising revelation that sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock, Pecco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion and Ducati’s golden boy, admitted that he’s been struggling to find compatibility with the Ducati GP25. Despite being a key figure in the Italian manufacturer’s recent dominance, Bagnaia confessed, “I’m going crazy” trying to adapt to the 2025 machine — a blunt but telling sign of the challenges he’s facing in what should have been another championship-defending season.

After back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023 and a fierce battle throughout 2024, the expectation was that Bagnaia would continue to lead the pack aboard a Ducati engineered precisely for his style. However, reality has proven far more complex. The GP25, though potent and packed with innovation, has turned into a difficult beast to tame for its lead rider — exposing the delicate balance between rider and machine.

Bagnaia’s admission offers rare insight into the mental and physical strain elite riders endure when the harmony between bike and instinct falters, especially when the sport evolves rapidly with fresh talent and evolving technology.

What’s Wrong with the GP25? Bagnaia Gets Honest

“The problem isn’t just one thing,” Bagnaia said following the French Grand Prix. “It’s a combination. The chassis, the electronics, the front-end feel—everything feels slightly off. It’s like I have to think about every movement instead of just riding naturally. And when you’re thinking too much at 300 km/h, you’re already in trouble.”

Such words are rare from Bagnaia, known for his calm demeanor and calculated approach. But they reflect a growing tension between rider and machine. Ducati’s 2025 bike boasts updated aerodynamics, a revised engine mapping system, and modified weight distribution—all in a bid to stay ahead of emerging competition from Aprilia, KTM, and Yamaha.

While the upgrades have proven successful for riders like Jorge Martin and even Marc Marquez on the satellite Desmosedici, Bagnaia’s riding style seems to be fighting the GP25’s tendencies, particularly under braking and corner entry, where he traditionally excels.

“When I go into corners, it doesn’t respond the way I expect. I brake and the feedback is late or vague. That hesitation—just a fraction of a second—can cost everything at this level,” Bagnaia emphasized.

Pressure Mounting: From Champion to Chaser

Bagnaia’s vulnerability comes at a time when MotoGP’s competitive landscape is more brutal than ever. Jorge Martin is riding with the sharpness of a man with a point to prove. Marc Marquez is thriving on a satellite bike, showing flashes of his dominant self. And newcomers like Pedro Acosta and Tony Arbolino are injecting fresh energy and aggression into the field.

Once the clear frontrunner, Bagnaia now finds himself in a chasing position. Instead of extending his lead or consolidating dominance, he’s in a constant cycle of adjustment, frustration, and recalibration.

Yet, the Italian rider remains admirably composed in the face of growing pressure. “I’m not going to give up,” he stated. “We’ve faced worse. I know this team, I know myself. We just need time. And maybe a little breakthrough.”

The key word here is “breakthrough” — because Ducati isn’t exactly in crisis mode. The bike works, as evidenced by its presence on the podium and Martin’s points lead. But a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t exist in MotoGP, and Bagnaia’s personal incompatibility with the GP25 could cost him dearly in a title race that leaves no room for error.

Inside the Ducati Garage: Collaboration or Confusion?

Within the Ducati Lenovo Team garage, there is a palpable sense of urgency. Engineers, data analysts, and crew chiefs are working overtime to understand Bagnaia’s discomfort. There have been reports of frequent setup changes, experiments with older suspension settings, and even talk of testing 2024 configurations just to reestablish the lost feeling.

“Pecco is someone who rides by instinct,” a Ducati team member anonymously shared. “He’s not the type to ask for a million gadgets. He just needs the bike to feel like an extension of himself. Right now, it’s not.”

Bagnaia’s teammate, Enea Bastianini, has had mixed fortunes on the GP25 as well, which has only deepened the mystery surrounding the bike’s behavior. The issue appears to be rider-specific—something Bagnaia must address without alienating the team or creating internal division.

Still, Ducati’s management is standing behind him, recognizing that their best chance at securing another title lies in fixing the issue fast and bringing their number one rider back into the fight.

Mental Fortitude: Bagnaia’s Greatest Asset

What separates Bagnaia from others isn’t just skill — it’s his mental toughness. Throughout his MotoGP career, he’s faced injuries, criticism, slumps in form, and even mid-season collapses. But time and again, he’s found a way to come back stronger.

Even now, as he struggles with a bike that feels like a stranger, Bagnaia maintains a champion’s mindset. “Yes, I’m frustrated. Yes, I’m going crazy. But I’m not broken. I still believe we’ll figure this out.”

In MotoGP, momentum is everything, and a psychological slump can be as damaging as mechanical failure. Bagnaia’s refusal to spiral or lash out at his team is a credit to his leadership and professionalism.

This composure may prove vital in the upcoming European rounds, where Bagnaia has traditionally been dominant. Circuits like Mugello, Assen, and Sachsenring could offer the terrain and rhythm he needs to rediscover his mojo.

Turning Points Ahead: Where Can Pecco Regroup?

The next stretch of the calendar is crucial for Bagnaia. Mugello — his home Grand Prix — looms large, both emotionally and strategically. If he can rediscover comfort and confidence there, it could spark a mid-season comeback.

“I know Mugello. I love Mugello,” he said with a slight smile. “Maybe that’s where things start to change.”

Beyond that, the summer break offers a small but important window for Ducati to consider more substantial changes — perhaps even a hybrid GP24-GP25 setup to suit Bagnaia’s needs.

Whether those adjustments come in time, however, remains to be seen.

Legacy on the Line: Will Pecco Rise Again?

For all his achievements, 2025 could become a defining year for Pecco Bagnaia’s legacy. A third world title would elevate him into legendary status, aligning him with names like Casey Stoner, Wayne Rainey, and even Valentino Rossi in the annals of Ducati and MotoGP history.

But a faltering title defense — especially due to internal technical issues — could tarnish his status, even if temporarily. Bagnaia is fully aware of this, which only adds fuel to his already fierce determination.

“This year is not going to be easy,” he said. “But the difficult seasons are where champions are made. I’d rather fight and fail than coast and fade.”

In many ways, Bagnaia’s current situation echoes the trials faced by greats before him — riders who had to battle both machines and mental blocks to reclaim their throne. Whether or not he succeeds will depend not only on Ducati’s engineers but also on Bagnaia’s own ability to adapt, endure, and evolve.

Conclusion: The Fight Is Far From Over

While Pecco Bagnaia’s incompatibility with the Ducati GP25 has raised alarms, it’s also unveiled his unshakable spirit. His openness about going “crazy” reflects just how invested he is in succeeding — not just for himself, but for his team, fans, and legacy.

In an era where MotoGP is more competitive than ever, perfection isn’t a luxury — it’s a requirement. And while Bagnaia may be out of sync with his machine now, few in the paddock doubt that he’ll find a way back.

Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Pecco Bagnaia, it’s that he never stays down for long.