Marco Bezzecchi
It has been reported that Yamaha and Monster Energy’s partnership is set to end in 2026 after eight years together.
The California-based energy drinks company are a prominent figure in MotoGP. They are currently associated with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Quartararo.
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In 2019, Monster Energy took over from Movistar as Yamaha’s primary sponsor. Together, they have enjoyed great successes, including Quartararo’s title-winning 2021 season – the Iwata outfit’s first since Jorge Lorenzo in 2015.
However, at the end of the 2026 season, the sponsorship is expected to come to an end, according to a report from Motorsport Espana.
Yamaha set to end partnership with Monster Energy in 2026
Yamaha are not the only MotoGP team that Monster Energy are associated with, as they have had a partnership with Ducati since 2021. That deal is set to expire in 2027, but the report states that there are talks over a new two-year agreement until 2029.
‘Exposure’ and ‘projected success’ are two key aspects of sponsor contracts being renewed, which Ducati have provided in abundance. However, Yamaha have not, with the manufacturer regressing dramatically in recent years.
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The mood around the team right now is one of misery, with Quartararo losing the love for riding as he struggles at the back of the grid with the V4 engine. Yamaha have not won a MotoGP race since the 2022 German GP.
Yamaha do not have the ‘weapons to fight’, and with the situation not set to improve anytime soon, there are ‘many indications’ that their ‘alliance’ with Monster Energy will not be extended beyond 2026.
The lack of success from the Iwata outfit could be the main factor for the split, but the changing rider line-up could be another. Quartararo is joining Honda, while Alex Rins is set to leave MotoGP, with Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura replacing them.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Yamaha from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
Honda could be set to reunite with Red Bull
While one partnership is set to end this season, another could be about to start again. The Motorsport Espana report notes that Honda could reunite with Red Bull.
It states that there are ‘ongoing discussions’ between the two parties over a new deal, with Red Bull being more likely than Monster to partner up with Yamaha.
Red Bull left Honda at the end of the 2023 season along with Marc Marquez. The Ant of Cervera left the team for Gresini and Ducati in pursuit of another title, which he would win in 2025.
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