Marco Bezzecchi
Jack Miller has made it clear that he will be aiding Yamaha’s V4 project until the very end, and Fabio Quartararo could learn a thing or two from the Australian’s unwillingness to give up on the Iwata-based factory.
Despite being the most recent world champion and flag-bearer for Yamaha’s MotoGP efforts, Fabio Quartararo’s public criticism of the Japanese constructor has stepped up a notch in recent weeks as they continue to occupy the lower spots in the standings.
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?
While the Frenchman is expected to make a switch to Yamaha’s local rivals, Honda, at the end of the term, he still has 18 more race weekends to get through before that happens.
Quartararo has already stated that he is lacking motivation due to the poor performance of Yamaha’s new V4 bike, but that’s no excuse for seemingly giving up on the project without first attempting to offer some help.
Jack Miller asserts he isn’t giving up on Yamaha’s V4 project
During his words to the press following the conclusion of MotoGP’s 2026 in-season test at Jerez, Jack Miller highlighted the extent of Yamaha’s problems regarding their current generation of prototype.
The Australian doesn’t see any strengths of the bike at the moment, saying via Speedweek, “Every area needs work. If the bike does something well, it doesn’t do other things so well.”
However, Miller noted how the bike is still largely in its infancy, adding, “The bike is only six or eight months old, so still very new.
“We’re still gathering data and trying to understand where its strengths and weaknesses lie, but I can’t say at the moment that it’s truly outstanding in any area.”
Were Yamaha given unrealistic expectations to meet with their V4 M1 in 2026?
It’s evident that frustration is growing amongst Yamaha’s four riders, but Miller refuses to give up on the project.
“It’s frustrating, absolutely,” he continued. “You work hard all week, the entire off-season, and set goals that you know are difficult to achieve.
“But what can you do? Go home? That’s not an option. We keep working on it. If you work hard, things will eventually turn around. I’m someone who squeezes blood out of a stone.”
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Fabio Quartararo must take note of Jack Miller’s resilience with Yamaha
Quartararo’s frustration with Yamaha was felt once again at the most recent Spanish Grand Prix, where he told journalists via Motorpasion Moto, “This is how it is.
“We’re starting to get used to it. Every time you arrive at a circuit, you don’t have expectations; you simply don’t want to give it your all.”
As the highest-paid rider on Yamaha’s roster, as well as the MotoGP grid, Quartararo’s fierce words in the press are unlikely to find him any favour with the factory’s top brass.
It’s obvious that he wants to be fighting for race wins and world titles again at this point in his career, but biting the hand that feeds him simply isn’t the right way to go about things.
Miller is still in the dark over his future with Yamaha in the premier class, but he is still fighting tooth and nail to turn their woes around, even if he isn’t able to reap the rewards of the prototype in the future.
Quartararo’s new employers at Honda have certainly taken note of his attitude during Yamaha’s woes, and it’s highly doubtful that they are impressed with how he is handling things this year.
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