Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia faces a critical 2026 season at Ducati. After a dismal 2025 campaign, he is under pressure to keep his seat.
The Italian had a rotten time on the GP25 this year, winning just two races. While the bike had little to no differences from the GP24, Bagnaia and VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio struggled to find feeling from the machine.
The third GP25 rider, Marquez, did not have the same issues, as he rode the bike to 11 Grand Prix and 14 Sprint wins, claiming the title at Motegi. Bagnaia finished P5 behind Alex Marquez, Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi and KTM’s Pedro Acosta.
Francesco Bagnaia on his MotoGP future
Pressure is now being mounted on the two-time MotoGP champion to perform in 2026. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali wants Marquez and Bagnaia ‘at the top’ next season, but the latter has struggled to do that with the former on the other side of the garage.
Beating Marquez on equal machinery is almost impossible, which puts Bagnaia in an extremely difficult position, even if the GP26 is more suited to his riding style. However, Pol Espargaro may have just offered the perfect advice.
Pol Espargaro says Marc Marquez unlocks his ‘true potential’ by adapting to problems – Francesco Bagnaia must copy
Speaking to AS, Marquez’s former Honda teammate discussed how the Ant of Cervera shows his ‘greatest potential’ when he adapts to problems with his bike. He was able to ride around the changes to the GP25, hence why he did not feel the same issues as Bagnaia did.
It is a trait that the Italian must adopt in 2026 if he wants to have any chance of competing with Marquez on the same bike.
Espargaro said: “I think that’s what Pecco is finding right now. Pecco is in a situation where he is not comfortable, he does not feel at ease with the bike, and in those situations where the bike starts to have some defects, that is where Marc brings out his true potential, his greatest potential.
Who is Ducati’s BEST option if they have to replace Francesco Bagnaia?
“There he is able to adapt to problems in a way that others cannot, and when a rider has a problem and is not able to adapt, but sees that his teammate in the other pit is also suffering.
“He leans on that and says: ‘Well, I’m not the only one having a hard time,’ so he kind of recovers from the pain of others, he keeps going and improves little by little even though things are not going well.
“What happens when you have problems but your rival doesn’t feel those problems or feels them much less, as is the case with Marc, and wins the way he wins?
“Well, it brings you down and you feel those problems more than ever. You can’t find a way out and little by little you sink further. That’s the situation Pecco finds himself in. He’s in a process of change, trying to evolve, but clearly he hasn’t hit rock bottom yet.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Is Francesco Bagnaia already too late to save his Ducati career?
Bagnaia previously said he cannot adapt to things he doesn’t like, which is a mentality that he cannot afford to have in 2026. Ultimately, his seat at Ducati is on the line.
If he repeats his form in 2025, the Borgo Panigale outfit could make a switch for 2027, with the likes of Pedro Acosta and Fabio Quartararo being linked to replace him. Even if he does secure his future, Bagnaia will have to take a pay cut, as Ducati will prioritise Marquez’s contract.
Bagnaia could secure his 2026 deal in pre-season if he is on the pace. The 28-year-old reported positive feedback about the GP26, which he hopes will remain throughout the year.
However, it is said that Bagnaia’s exit from Ducati is ‘sealed and decreed’ after his 2025 woes. He may already be too late to save himself.
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