Ducati’s Marc Marquez revealed that winning the 2025 MotoGP championship left him feeling “empty” for the first time in his career. The 32-year-old had a dominant season with Ducati’s factory team, securing 11 Grand Prix victories and 14 Sprint wins.
Between the Aragon and Hungary races, Marquez amassed 37 points over seven consecutive weeks, seizing the championship lead and ultimately clinching the world title at the Japanese Grand Prix with five races still to go. This victory marks his seventh premier class championship and his first in six years, putting him alongside MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi.
Marquez’s journey to this title was challenging, having faced a severe, career-threatening injury in 2020 that required two years of surgeries for recovery. In 2023, he left Honda a year early due to their bike’s lack of competitiveness, then sacrificed his salary in 2024 to join Gresini Racing on his former satellite Ducati team to regain his edge.
Speaking in a DAZN documentary, Marquez shared that despite his triumph in Japan, he felt emotionally drained and lost his motivation to race in Indonesia, describing it as a release of emotion after winning. He confessed, “This is the first time I felt empty after winning. Even though I won in Japan, I felt empty. I didn’t feel like riding a bike in Indonesia. Even after winning previous championships, I was always thinking about what’s next and wanting to win again.”
Nonetheless, Marquez is determined not to lose his competitive spirit for the 2026 season. “This winter, we will focus on recovery and, despite how I feel now, I aim to regain the hunger to win again,” he stated.
Unfortunately, Marquez suffered serious shoulder injuries after a collision with Marco Bezzecchi during the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix. He had surgery a week later, forcing him to miss the rest of the 2025 season. In a Ducati behind-the-scenes video, Marquez disclosed that he asked his doctor about participating in the post-season test in Valencia but was advised against it to avoid worsening his injury.
Fan Take: Marquez’s candid admission about feeling empty despite his success highlights the intense mental and physical toll MotoGP riders endure. His comeback story and relentless drive will continue to inspire fans and elevate the sport’s drama and excitement in the coming seasons.
