Marco Bezzecchi
Fabio Quartararo’s constant criticism of Yamaha has not sat well with the team. While the two parties are parting ways in 2027, Jorge Martin could be an even bigger problem.
Quartararo has been losing patience with the Iwata outfit as they have not provided him with a winning bike since he failed to defend his 2021 title in 2022. In fact, his patience is gone, as he is set to join Honda next season.
But while his allegiances are elsewhere in 2027, that has not stopped the Frenchman from bashing Yamaha and their project. Granted, the V4 engine was not expected to be a race winner from the off, but the Yamaha riders have been way off the pace in 2026.
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As usual, the 2021 champion is the top performer, but Quartararo has said he is losing motivation on the bike and has constantly criticised the development and lack of progress.
Paolo Pavesio says Quartararo’s frustration is ‘useless’ as it does not help Yamaha improve. His move to Honda could be a fresh start for the Frenchman, but perhaps not for the manufacturer, as Martin could be an even bigger problem.
Jorge Martin’s attitude problems will be worse than Fabio Quartararo’s at Yamaha
The 2024 MotoGP champion is joining Yamaha from Aprilia in 2027. It could be that he joins the Iwata outfit after winning the title with another factory, just as he did when he won with Pramac Ducati before moving to the Noale outfit.
That is already one problem for Yamaha to bear in mind; the Spaniard has burned bridges throughout his career. He cut ties with KTM in his junior days, he rage-quit Ducati after he did not land a factory seat, and in 2025, Martin tried to break his Aprilia contract to join Honda.
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Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027
Last year’s drama is supposedly behind Martin and Aprilia, but that seemed to be disproved at the Catalan Grand Prix. After Raul Fernandez collided with him on the opening lap of the second restart, Martin shoved Paolo Bonora in the garage.
He later regretted his actions, but it did not change the fact that it still happened. That is not the kind of thing Yamaha will want to see from Martin, especially given the friction they are currently facing with Quartararo.
Martin is an exceptional rider and a great signing for Yamaha, but he is an emotional figure. His behaviour in Barcelona proves that he could be worse than Quartararo in terms of his attitude towards his team.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend
Ai Ogura’s attitude could also be a problem for Yamaha
It is not just Martin that could be a problem for the Japanese giants. His 2027 teammate, Ai Ogura, is equally as emotional.
The Japanese rider is a great talent for the future and is proving himself to be a real threat with Trackhouse in 2026. However, he is notorious for being self-critical, and in an extreme way.
Take the Catalan GP for example, where he crossed the line in P4 but dropped back to ninth following a three-second penalty for taking out Pedro Acosta. He referred to his performance as ‘pathetic’, marking one of several instances where he has harshly put down his races.
Taking responsibility is one thing, but constantly belittling himself is not going to do him, or Yamaha, any favours, especially when it comes to technical feedback. The Iwata outfit will need to watch both of their riders closely.
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