Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha’s MotoGP rider and the 2021 world champion, reveals that his future ambitions have shifted, and he now wants to “search for myself.” As his high-paying factory contract with Yamaha expires at the end of 2025, Quartararo is expected to be a major figure in the 2027 rider market.
Though he declined an offer to join Aprilia, Quartararo is confident he will stay with Yamaha for the 2025 and 2026 seasons under a deal reportedly worth 12 million euros annually. During this period, he has only managed one Grand Prix podium, amid Yamaha’s struggles at the bottom of the manufacturer standings.
In a recent documentary on motogp.com, Quartararo explained that his current goal is to “deliver strong results for Yamaha.” However, looking past this contract, his focus shifts to his own future. He stated that what will ultimately persuade him to stay beyond 2026 is feeling fast on the bike and enjoying himself. When he signed this contract, his aim was to “bring impressive results back to Yamaha,” but now, he says, he wants to “discover my future and my goals.”
Yamaha is set to compete with its new V4 engine this season, hoping to climb back to the top. Since first testing the bike last autumn, Quartararo’s feedback has been mixed, as his need for an immediately competitive machine clashes with Yamaha’s slow development strategy. Upcoming pre-season tests in Sepang and Buriram could be Yamaha’s final opportunity to convince him to extend his stay.
Despite this, Yamaha confirmed at a recent livery launch that no talks about a 2027 contract have taken place. Meanwhile, Quartararo has been linked with moves to competitive teams like Honda, Aprilia, and Ducati for the following year.
Fan Take: This development is crucial for MotoGP fans because Quartararo’s decision could reshape the competitive landscape, potentially igniting fierce rivalries among top manufacturers. His next move will not only affect Yamaha’s championship chances but also influence rider market dynamics, adding excitement and unpredictability to the sport.
