“We need more power!” Quartararo pointed out Yamaha’s most serious problem this year!

In the high-stakes world of MotoGP, where fractions of a second can determine glory or defeat, Fabio Quartararo has delivered a clear and sobering message about Yamaha’s performance deficit. The 2021 MotoGP World Champion didn’t mince words when asked what the Japanese manufacturer needs to close the gap on the dominant front-running teams.

And according to Quartararo, the solution isn’t complicated—but it’s urgent.

“We Need More Power… and We Need More Grip”

Speaking candidly, Quartararo outlined the two fundamental flaws that continue to limit Yamaha’s potential in an era where European rivals like Ducati and KTM are setting blistering benchmarks.

“For me, we need more power. That’s clear. But we need the power to be delivered in a smoother way and use it better with more grip. So these are basically the two things we really need,” Quartararo explained with unmistakable frustration.

His statement, though concise, speaks volumes. It reflects a growing urgency within Yamaha’s garage—and a deepening concern that the brand’s current technical direction isn’t evolving fast enough.

Power Deficit Still Haunts Yamaha

Yamaha has long struggled with top-end engine performance, a flaw that has increasingly hampered the team’s competitiveness, particularly on tracks with long straights or heavy acceleration zones. While other manufacturers have embraced more aggressive engine development and seamless electronics integration, Yamaha’s philosophy of control and smoothness has begun to show its age.

“We need more power” isn’t just a rider’s gripe—it’s a demand for modernization. Quartararo, known for his surgical precision on the bike, has often had to compensate for Yamaha’s lack of horsepower with bravery in the corners. But in 2025, that simply isn’t enough.

Grip Issues Compounding the Problem

In tandem with the power issue, rear grip continues to be a significant hurdle. Quartararo emphasized that it’s not just about raw speed—it’s about how power is used. And right now, Yamaha’s electronics and chassis are not providing the grip levels necessary to unleash what little power the engine does offer.

“Power is useless if you can’t use it properly. That’s the issue right now. You open the throttle, and we can’t hook up like the Ducatis or KTMs.”

With modern MotoGP machines depending heavily on traction control, ride height devices, and aerodynamics, Yamaha’s more conservative approach is visibly lagging. Quartararo’s comments underline a deeper truth: Yamaha needs to evolve faster or risk becoming irrelevant.

“The First Lap Is Still Scary” – A Bike Frozen in Time?

When asked to compare the 2025 Yamaha M1 to the machine from five years ago, Quartararo’s blunt response revealed just how little progress the team has made in key performance areas.

“To be honest, not really. The first lap is still quite scary, but it’s something I really like because it’s one of the few times in MotoGP you really get that adrenaline.”

The statement is both nostalgic and damning. While Quartararo still relishes the intensity of racing, his observation hints that Yamaha’s engineering evolution has stagnated. In a paddock where technical advancement is relentless, staying still is effectively moving backward.

Yamaha’s Crisis: Evolution vs. Revolution

Over the past few seasons, Ducati has surged ahead with its innovative ride-height devices, aerodynamic winglets, and a relentless development pace. Aprilia and KTM, too, have made stunning leaps. Yamaha, by contrast, has shown a more traditional and methodical approach—but Quartararo’s message suggests this strategy is no longer viable.

While Yamaha has made some attempts to modernize—bringing in Luca Marmorini, formerly of Ferrari F1 fame, to head their engine development—the gains have yet to materialize where it matters: on the racetrack.

“We’ve had meetings, we’ve had discussions. They know what I want. But until it shows in the lap times, it’s just words.” – Quartararo, earlier this season

Rider Frustration Boiling Over

It’s not just Fabio Quartararo expressing dissatisfaction. Teammate Álex Rins and test rider Cal Crutchlow have also highlighted Yamaha’s ongoing grip and acceleration problems. But Quartararo, who won Yamaha’s last title in 2021, carries the weight of expectation—and his words carry the most gravity.

He has stayed loyal through turbulent seasons, but each public critique signals mounting pressure. The French star’s contract situation for 2026 and beyond will undoubtedly be influenced by Yamaha’s development trajectory over the next several months.

The Road Ahead: Is Time Running Out?

Yamaha’s 2025 campaign has already shown signs of struggle, with Quartararo often mired in mid-pack battles, far from podium contention. While the M1 still has strengths—namely stability and corner entry precision—it is increasingly clear that power and traction are king in modern MotoGP.

With Marc Márquez revitalized at Ducati and Pedro Acosta rapidly rising at KTM, Quartararo knows the competition isn’t waiting around. Yamaha, if serious about returning to the top, must heed their champion’s warnings—and act decisively.

“We’re not asking for miracles. We just want to fight on equal terms.” – Quartararo, earlier this year

Final Thoughts: Quartararo’s Message Is Yamaha’s Wake-Up Call

Fabio Quartararo’s brutally honest assessment is more than just a critique—it’s a plea. A plea from one of the most talented riders of his generation, asking for the tools to compete at the level he knows he can reach.

Yamaha’s legacy in MotoGP is rich and storied, but in today’s arms race of technology and development, resting on laurels is a recipe for obscurity. Quartararo has sounded the alarm. Whether Yamaha answers the call may define not just his future—but the brand’s fate in MotoGP’s elite class.