In a stunning admission that has sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock, Fabio Quartararo has openly discussed the growing tensions within the Yamaha team. The 2021 world champion revealed disagreements with managing director Paolo Pavesio, hinting that it might be time for him to consider leaving the Japanese manufacturer. This comes amid Yamaha’s ongoing struggles in the 2025 season.

Quartararo’s frustration stems from Yamaha’s lack of competitiveness since his last victory at the 2022 German Grand Prix. Despite signing a two-year extension in 2024 that keeps him with the team until 2026, the French rider has seen his performance decline. He has managed four pole positions this year but consistently falters in races due to bike issues.

The core of the discord appears to revolve around Yamaha’s development of a new V4 engine, set to replace the traditional inline-four. Pavesio, who took over from Lin Jarvis earlier this year, has publicly stated intentions to race the V4 in 2026. Quartararo, however, downplayed these comments, noting that Pavesio lacks deep technical insight.

“I don’t know what he thinks… I don’t think he’s too much into the technical side of things,” Quartararo said during a media session at the German Grand Prix in July. He emphasized that his priority is a competitive bike for next year, regardless of the engine type. Feedback on the V4 has been positive, but lap times remain disappointingly slow.

Yamaha’s new leadership under Pavesio marks a shift in approach. Coming from the marketing division with ties to WorldSBK, Pavesio prioritizes the long-term project over individual riders. This pragmatic stance contrasts with Jarvis’s era, where Quartararo was groomed as Valentino Rossi’s successor. Insiders note a tougher negotiation posture from Yamaha.

Quartararo’s public criticisms have not gone unnoticed. His gestures, such as walking the paddock without team attire, are seen as disrespectful by some within Yamaha, especially given his €10 million annual salary. Team executives believe such actions harm the morale of the workforce invested in the bike’s development.

The tensions escalated after poor results at Misano in September 2025. Pavesio expressed extreme disappointment in Quartararo’s performance, stating, “We made the mistake of trusting him.” This blunt assessment highlighted the growing rift, with Quartararo preferring to engage with garage staff over upper management.

Despite these issues, Quartararo achieved a third-place finish in the wet sprint at the German Grand Prix and fourth in the main race. However, he remains unhappy with the bike’s dry handling. His body language, including angry outbursts toward the machine, underscores his mounting frustration with unmet expectations.

The rider market is heating up earlier each year, pressuring Quartararo to decide his future beyond 2026. At 26 years old, he cannot afford delays. Options are limited for a guaranteed competitive seat, but his talent makes him a hot commodity. Yamaha, meanwhile, intends to negotiate an extension to at least 2028.

Analysts suggest Yamaha might need to part ways with Quartararo to progress, drawing parallels to Honda’s experience after losing Marc Marquez. “Yamaha will lose Fabio Quartararo, just as Honda lost Marc Marquez, which has been a setback for moving forward,” one expert noted. This could spark a revolution in Yamaha’s strategy.

Pavesio’s focus on the V4 includes plans for wildcard appearances, with tests led by Augusto Fernandez and Andrea Dovizioso showing promise. Fernandez reported improvements expected by February’s shakedown, expressing confidence in the project’s direction despite Quartararo’s skepticism.

The uproar in the MotoGP world stems from the potential implications of Quartararo’s exit. As Yamaha’s star rider, his departure could destabilize the team further, affecting sponsorships and development momentum. Fans and pundits are divided, with some supporting Quartararo’s push for better machinery.

Quartararo’s journey with Yamaha began in 2019, leading to his championship win two years later. Loyalty kept him aboard during tough times, influenced by technical director Max Bartolini. Now, with progress stalling, he admits the relationship is “getting a little tense.”

In October 2025, Quartararo reflected, “I’m not satisfied with what I’ve achieved so far in 2025.” Despite battling an increasingly untrustworthy bike, he remains calm about his options. The rider emphasizes that top-three finishes in every test are essential for him to stay.

Yamaha’s executives are reportedly unfazed by the possibility of losing Quartararo, viewing it as part of a necessary evolution. Pavesio’s tougher stance signals a willingness to prioritize the bike’s competitiveness over star power, potentially reshaping team dynamics.

The V4 debate continues to fuel speculation. While Quartararo dismisses engine specifics, insisting on overall performance, Pavesio pushes for readiness in 2026. This misalignment highlights deeper strategic differences within the team.

MotoGP enthusiasts are watching closely as the season winds down. Quartararo’s potential move could trigger a domino effect in rider lineups, with teams like Ducati or Aprilia eyeing the champion. Yamaha’s future hangs in the balance amid this internal turmoil.

Despite the tensions, Quartararo’s qualifying prowess shines through, with remarkable pace in challenging conditions. However, race-day failures, including a technical issue at the British Grand Prix that robbed him of victory, exacerbate his discontent.

Pavesio’s background in marketing may influence his decisions, focusing on broader brand strategy. This shift from Jarvis’s rider-centric approach has caught Quartararo off guard, leading to the current impasse. Reconciliation seems possible only with tangible improvements.

As November 2025 approaches, discussions intensify. Quartararo’s ultimatum—”I need a winning project now”—echoes through the paddock. Whether he stays or leaves, this saga underscores the high stakes in MotoGP’s competitive landscape.