Yamaha has officially confirmed the long-awaited departure: 2021 MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo and his teammate Alex Rins will leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team at the end of the 2026 season. The announcement was made by the brand's parent company, Yamaha Motor Co., and represents a significant step towards shaping the 2027 rider lineup.
Quartararo's eight-year journey
Quartararo began his MotoGP career under the Yamaha banner in 2019 with Petronas SRT, and in 2021, he took over the factory seat vacated by Valentino Rossi, becoming world champion that same year. The French rider achieved 11 wins and 32 podiums in eight seasons with Yamaha. However, the brand's decline in performance in recent years has increasingly strained the relationship. The 2026 season is also proving challenging; Yamaha is low in the manufacturers' championship with 64 points, while Quartararo and Rins are 15th and 17th respectively in the riders' standings.
In a post on his social media accounts, Quartararo stated that he was closing an important chapter of his career and thanked Yamaha: “Yamaha is more than just a team for me — it’s part of my story, my development both as a rider and as a person.”.
Rins' future is uncertain.
Alex Rins, who joined Yamaha in 2024, faces a different situation. The 30-year-old Spaniard, who has 18 wins, six of which were in the premier class, is now highly likely to miss out on MotoGP next year, based on the current circumstances.
Martin and Ogura are expected for 2027.
Yamaha Racing Director Paolo Pavesio, bidding farewell to both riders, said Quartararo “will always remain one of Yamaha MotoGP’s true legends.” The factory team is reportedly undergoing a major overhaul in 2027 with Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura; these transfers are expected to be officially announced soon. Quartararo is said to be joining the factory Honda team on a two-year contract.
Situation on the land front.
Yamaha's satellite team, Pramac, is expected to continue with Toprak Razgatlıoğlu for 2027 and replace Jack Miller with Izan Guevara. These details have not yet been officially confirmed.