Marco Bezzecchi
Franco Morbidelli is one of the many riders who are out of contract at the end of the 2026 season, but his situation could be far more desperate.
The Italian has been retained for 2026 by VR46 alongside Fabio Di Giannantonio. But while he remains part of Ducati’s setup, his performances have been called into question.
Morbidelli failed to win a race after two years on the GP24, arguably the most dominant MotoGP bike ever made. Furthermore, his antics during races have landed him in hot water with the stewards and with fans.
Which of these riders deserve a 2027 MotoGP contract the most?
MotoGP fans often called for Morbidelli to be banned after multiple accidents with fellow riders in 2025. Nevertheless, his seventh-place finish in the standings was enough for close friend Valentino Rossi to give him a new contract.
But his future beyond 2026 is uncertain, and the 31-year-old will be under pressure to keep his seat. Morbidelli is running out of options, and his last one could be about to disappear.
Uncertainty surrounding Valentino Rossi’s VR46 ownership could spell the end of Franco Morbidelli’s MotoGP career
Reports are suggesting that Morbidelli is entering his ‘last season in MotoGP’, as well as three other riders on the grid. 2026 could also be the last for VR46.
Rossi’s team have been linked with several changes beyond 2026, with reports suggesting that VR46 could join Aprilia in 2027. It has even been suggested, as per The Race, that the team’s ownership could be set to change.
There have been ‘plenty of paddock doubts about Valentino Rossi’s ongoing commitment to MotoGP team ownership’, with rumours speculating that VR46 may not ‘exist’ in 2027.
With Rossi open to selling his team, it could mark the end of Morbidelli’s career if he cannot perform in 2026. VR46 no longer existing would make that obvious, but if they remain on the grid, the Italian’s future is no longer as secure as it once was.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Franco Morbidelli from net worth to career stats
Franco Morbidelli is no longer ‘protected’ at VR46
Morbidelli has been described as the ‘Lance Stroll of MotoGP’, in that his relationship with Rossi is to be the key reason why he is still on the grid.
However, times are changing in 2026. Morbidelli may no longer be ‘protected’ from his reputation for accidents during races.
Morbidelli is on ‘thin ice’ with the MotoGP stewards after his antics in 2025. If these continue in 2026, actions against him may be less forgiving, even with VR46 and Rossi’s soft spot for him.
It will be up to Morbidelli to save his career in 2026 and find some performance on the GP25. Otherwise, his days in the sport look numbered.
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