“I can’t go back…” — Fabio Quartararo opens up about the secret that almost destroyed his career. Read the article in the comments below 👇

In a recent candid interview on the Italian podcast Mig Babol, hosted by former Moto3 rider Andrea Migno, Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion, revealed a deeply personal struggle that nearly derailed his illustrious career. The French rider, known for his speed and charisma, opened up about a period of intense psychological turmoil that left him questioning his passion for racing. This revelation comes as Quartararo continues to navigate challenges with Yamaha, highlighting the mental toll of professional motorsport.

Quartararo’s ascent in MotoGP was meteoric. After clinching the championship in 2021 with dominant performances, he battled fiercely for the title in 2022, finishing as runner-up to Francesco Bagnaia. However, the start of the 2023 season marked a stark contrast. Yamaha’s bike struggled with competitiveness, and Quartararo found himself languishing outside the top five, sometimes even the top ten. This sudden drop in performance was more than a professional setback; it invaded his personal life.

Reflecting on that time, Quartararo described it as the “worst moment” of his career and personal life. “It was very hard because you go from: you win the championship in 2021, you fight until the last race for the title in 2022, and in the first part of the 2023 season you are not even in the top 5, or even the top 10,” he shared. The frustration built as he returned home unhappy, disconnected from the joy that once defined his existence.

The rider admitted that external validations like a lucrative contract meant little during this dark phase. “People tell you ‘but you have a good contract, you’re earning money’ but at that moment you don’t think about that. You think about the fact that you’re not enjoying life, and that was really, really hard for me,” Quartararo confessed. This emotional void threatened to consume him, pushing him to the brink of walking away from the sport he loved.

Quartararo’s struggles underscore a broader issue in high-stakes sports: mental health. In MotoGP, where riders push physical and mental limits at over 200 mph, the pressure can be overwhelming. His story echoes those of other athletes who have faced similar battles, emphasizing the need for support systems within teams and the broader community.

Despite the hardships, Quartararo persevered. By the summer break of 2023, he had only secured two podiums, with his best other results being seventh places, placing him ninth in the standings. Yet, he chose patience over panic, accepting Yamaha’s limitations while advocating for improvements. His last victory, at the 2022 German Grand Prix, seemed a distant memory, but it fueled his determination.

In recent years, Quartararo has voiced frustrations with Yamaha’s progress, yet he remains committed. Recent tests and updates show promise, though he tempers expectations. “I prefer to expect nothing,” he once remarked in discussions about the team’s development, reflecting a guarded optimism born from past disappointments.

Looking ahead, Quartararo draws inspiration from peers like Marc Márquez, who sacrificed a hefty contract to join a more competitive team. “In Marc’s case, he did it between contracts; it was a more delicate moment, but he gave up a very large sum of money to have a competitive bike & that serves as an example for me when thinking about my future,” Quartararo noted. This openness suggests he might consider similar moves post-2026 if Yamaha doesn’t deliver.

Mechanical issues have compounded his challenges. Incidents like ride height device failures leading to crashes, as seen in races involving him and Miguel Oliveira, highlight technical woes beyond his control. A heartbreaking DNF at the British Grand Prix due to such a malfunction left him devastated, underscoring the fragility of success in MotoGP.

Quartararo’s ability to “disconnect his brain” during time attacks has been a unique strength, allowing him to achieve pole positions despite bike limitations. This mental trick helped him secure special feats, but it couldn’t fully shield him from the emotional strain of consistent underperformance.

As of November 2025, Quartararo continues racing with Yamaha, focusing on incremental gains. Recent admissions, like missing “a bit of everything” in speed, stability, and grip, show ongoing hurdles, yet he praises small positives in electronics and handling.

His revelation serves as a powerful reminder that even champions face invisible battles. By sharing his story, Quartararo aims to destigmatize mental health discussions in motorsport, encouraging others to seek help. “I can’t go back to that place,” he implied, signaling a resolve to move forward with renewed purpose.

In the fast-paced world of MotoGP, Quartararo’s journey from despair to resilience inspires. As he eyes future seasons, fans hope for a return to the podiums, but more importantly, for his continued well-being. His secret struggle, now public, humanizes the rider behind the helmet, proving that true strength lies in vulnerability.