Fabio Quartararo Explains Strained Yamaha Relationship Ahead of Honda Move

Fabio Quartararo is set to leave Yamaha to join Honda for the 2027 season. Having ridden for the Japanese marque since his MotoGP debut in 2019, the 27-year-old won 11 races and the 2021 world title. However, the relationship between both sides has strained during the 2026 campaign following a tough four-year stretch, during which he finished runner-up in 2022, 10th in 2023, 13th in 2024, ninth in 2025, and currently occupies 14th in 2026.

Explaining the tense atmosphere, Quartararo attributed it to spending three consecutive years fighting for positions well below their expectations. While acknowledging moments of friction that were magnified by the press, he stressed that the situation is not a "war" but rather normal difficult moments in a relationship. With three months remaining after spending eight years together, the French rider stated he wants to finish their tenure in the best way possible.

The fallout reached its peak when Yamaha denied Quartararo the chance to participate in September's in-season test in Austria to sample Pirelli's new 2027 tyres. Feeling reduced to a "test rider" role, Quartararo declared he was not in a position to help Yamaha's 2027 bike development. In response, Yamaha stated it would only utilize Toprak Razgatlioglu and Izan Guevara, who will be competing for the team in 2027.

Looking ahead to his move to Honda—a team currently positioned just ahead of Yamaha in the standings—Quartararo admitted he will need to take things step-by-step and continue learning through the early grand prix races of 2027. Although his last victory came at the 2022 German Grand Prix, the 27-year-old expressed confidence and excitement, asserting that he still retains the same competitive drive whenever given a real opportunity to fight at the front.