Marco Bezzecchi
As Yamaha’s struggles this season seem to continue, Fabio Quartararo and Massimo Meregalli find themselves at odds.
Quartararo and Toprak Razgatlioglu shared frustrations with Yamaha after the Spanish Grand Prix, admitting that neither of them are particularly happy with how the team are performing.
In fact, Quartararo admitted to losing his love for racing due to coping with the current underperformance of the Yamaha bike.
What have you made of Fabio Quartararo’s attitude at Yamaha this season?
Are you sympathetic, or do you feel he's showing a lack of respect?
Yamaha are lagging behind when it comes to development. Quartararo’s issues haven’t been fixed yet, despite him informing Yamaha of his concerns with the V4 bike six months ago.
But it appears Fabio Quartararo and Massimo Meregalli have a different view of Yamaha’s issues and how they’re impacting the riders.
READ MORE: Ai Ogura’s manager was ‘surprised’ when he decided to sign with Yamaha in 2027
Fabio Quartararo and Massimo Meregalli seemingly not on the same page amid Yamaha struggles
MotoGP reporter Jack Appleyard shared some interesting insight during the latest episode of After the Flag about Yamaha’s internal frustration.
He noted that Massimo Meregalli reassured everyone that rider motivation was fine and needed no help, only for Fabio Quartararo to come out later at Jerez and say he is struggling with motivation.
“The bottom line is they need to bring a new engine. And that new engine doesn’t seem to come tomorrow, doesn’t seem like it’s going to come in time for Le Mans. Until the new engine comes, and they’ve got a few horses to play with, they’ve got no chance. They’re getting murdered everywhere.
“Unfortunately, it’s going to be a waiting game trying to survive, trying to find opportunities in the wet like yesterday…. (Massimo) Meregalli said yesterday, ‘Don’t worry, our riders are motivated, I’m making sure they are motivated.’
“Fabio Quartararo then came and spoke to the media on Friday and said, ‘Things, as they are, it’s pretty difficult to go out there and give your best, give your all. When I do, I come back and see that I’m 16th.’ The risk doesn’t match the reward at the moment.”
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Were Yamaha given unrealistic expectations to meet with their V4 M1 in 2026?
Yamaha risking rider dissatisfaction with current approach to issues
To say Yamaha are currently way behind where they should be is an understatement. But what is more baffling is their seemingly ear-shut approach to their issues.
For Meregalli to say that rider motivation during these difficult times isn’t an issue, only to be proven wrong by one of his best riders over the course of the weekend, isn’t a good look at all.
On top of that, Yamaha’s struggles on track are showing no signs of going away, which will only compound their other concerns.
It is a tough time for any and all at Yamaha right now, and they must figure out a more prudent solution to their current woes.
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