When is Fabio Quartararo actually leaving Yamaha?

He will complete his current contract, meaning he will race for the Monster Energy Yamaha team for the rest of this season and through to the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.

Why is Quartararo leaving Yamaha?

While the partnership was once very successful, Quartararo has grown frustrated with the Yamaha bike's lack of competitiveness in recent years compared to its European rivals.

Who will replace him at Yamaha?

Yamaha has not announced a replacement. Finding a new top-tier rider to lead their project will be a major priority for them ahead of the 2027 season.

Where is Fabio Quartararo going after 2026?

His new team for the 2027 season has not yet been announced. As a recent World Champion, he will be a top target for many other factory teams on the grid.

Fabio Quartararo Confirmed to Depart Monster Energy Yamaha at End of 2026 Season

Former World Champion Fabio Quartararo will officially leave the Monster Energy Yamaha team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season, ending a long partnership.

It’s official: Yamaha has confirmed that Fabio Quartararo, their 2021 World Champion, will leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team at the end of the 2026 season. This announcement marks the end of a long and, for a time, hugely successful partnership between the French rider and the Japanese manufacturer.

For anyone new to MotoGP, this is a major piece of news. Rider moves are a huge part of the sport’s drama, and when a champion decides to switch teams, it has a ripple effect across the entire grid. Let’s break down what this means for everyone involved.

Who is Fabio Quartararo?

Fabio Quartararo, nicknamed ‘El Diablo’, is one of the biggest stars in MotoGP. The French rider stormed into the premier class and quickly made a name for himself with his incredibly smooth and fast riding style. He has spent his entire top-class career on a Yamaha motorcycle.

His journey with the brand peaked in 2021 when he won the Riders’ World Championship, bringing Yamaha their first title since 2015. He became France’s first-ever premier-class champion, cementing his place as Yamaha’s star rider and one of the best in the world.

Fabio Quartararo riding his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike at speed around a corner.

Why is this move so significant?

This isn’t just any rider leaving any team. For years, Quartararo and Yamaha were a perfect match. The Yamaha YZR-M1 bike is famous for its sweet handling and high corner speed, which perfectly suited Quartararo’s style. Together, they were a formidable combination.

However, in motorsport, technology never stands still. A rider is only as good as their machinery, and a team’s success depends on having a rider who can get the absolute most from it. Quartararo’s departure signals the end of an era for Yamaha and leaves them with a huge challenge: to find a new rider to lead their project.

What led to the split?

The decision doesn’t come as a complete surprise to those who follow the sport closely. Since his 2021 title victory, the competitive landscape of MotoGP has changed dramatically. European manufacturers, especially Ducati, have developed bikes with incredible engine power and advanced (the wings and bodywork that help keep the bike stable at high speed).

In contrast, the Yamaha has struggled to keep pace, particularly with its engine’s top speed. Quartararo has often been seen fighting incredibly hard just to stay in the top ten, and he has been very open in his frustration with the bike’s lack of progress. This move is the result of several seasons of difficulty and a desire to once again fight for championships.

A close-up view of the Yamaha MotoGP bike, showing the famous tuning fork logo on the blue fairing.

What does this mean for Yamaha?

For the Monster Energy Yamaha team, this is a pivotal moment. They are losing the only rider who has been able to win on their bike in recent years. Their immediate challenge will be to find a replacement who can not only ride fast but also help guide the development of the motorcycle.

More importantly, it puts immense pressure on Yamaha’s engineers in Japan to deliver a much more competitive bike for 2027 and beyond. Without a star rider like Quartararo, it can be harder to attract another top talent. The team now enters a crucial rebuilding phase to return to the front of the grid.

What’s next for Quartararo?

As a recent World Champion still in his prime, Quartararo will be one of the most sought-after riders for the 2027 season. While his destination has not yet been announced, he will be looking for a team with a proven, race-winning machine that can give him a shot at a second world title.

It’s important to remember that this change is not happening immediately. Quartararo is contracted to race with Yamaha until the end of the 2026 season. He will continue to give his all for the team for the remainder of this year, through to the end of the 2026 season, but it does create an interesting dynamic knowing that both rider and team will be going their separate ways.

The bustling atmosphere of the MotoGP pit lane, with various teams and personnel preparing for action.

Quick Takeaways

Fabio Quartararo will officially leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team after the 2026 season ends.
He won the 2021 World Championship with Yamaha, but has since become frustrated with the bike’s lack of competitiveness.
The move leaves Yamaha searching for a new lead rider to spearhead their project from 2027 onwards.
As a former champion, Quartararo will be a top target for other factory teams looking for a race winner.