Yamaha will part ways with Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins after the 2026 season to overhaul its program.
ASSEN
In a major shake-up for the MotoGP paddock, Yamaha has officially announced that both Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will depart from the team at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The decision marks the end of a significant chapter for the Japanese manufacturer as it seeks to overhaul its struggling racing program.
Fabio Quartararo, who joined Yamaha in 2019, has been the face of the team for years. During his tenure, the 26-year-old French rider achieved immense success, securing 11 race victories, 32 podium finishes, and the prestigious 2021 MotoGP world championship title. Meanwhile, Alex Rins joined the squad in 2024 following a challenging period with Honda, but both riders have found it difficult to reclaim the team’s former glory.
Yamaha has faced immense technical hurdles recently, resulting in a notable lack of competitiveness on the track. Since the start of 2024, the duo has managed only a single podium finish, which came courtesy of Quartararo at last year’s Spanish Grand Prix. The current 2026 campaign has proven even more difficult, with the team languishing near the bottom of the standings with only 64 points. With both riders currently outside the top ten in the championship rankings, the manufacturer is now looking toward a fresh start. This split signals a strategic pivot for Yamaha as they hope to rebuild their machinery and return to the front of the grid in future seasons. Fans now eagerly await news on who will replace these two talents.
