Let's talk MotoGP: The Fabio Quartararo case is as shocking as it is surprising

Fabio Quartararo's season has been astonishing in more ways than one. We know what the Frenchman is capable of on the track: he is undoubtedly one of the best riders in the world, something he often proves during qualifying. Today, we're going to focus more on his communication, because it's nothing short of astonishing.

 

Incredible lyrics

 

Frankly, these days, I can't miss a single appearance by Fabio Quartararo in the media. "El Diablo" does what no one else dares to do, not by MotoGP, but across all motorsports: He allows himself to publicly criticize his equipment and his employer.So, it doesn't bother me that it does, because I actually love this honesty, this frankness that is gradually disappearing from the paddocks. When you see that the drivers in the World Endurance Championship aren't allowed to discuss the regulations with the press, you should see it as a good thing.

 

 

But since the start of this season, it's been a real festival. Quartararo never stops, almost every chance he gets, from mentioning a weakness of the Yamaha YZR-M1. A very simple example: lap speed. When questioned on this specific point by Canal+ journalists in Malaysia, he didn't mince words: The Yamaha isn't strong over a single lap. I have to say, I'm the one who's strong.“I’m not saying his comments are wrong, because he’s much more qualified to judge his bike than I am, of course. However, it’s worth noting that a bike that allowed him to score five pole positions in a season is probably not so bad at it.” Moreover, Jack Miller started on the front row in Australia riding it.

Quartararo brought up Miller's example, saying that it had taken 19 Grands Prix to see another rider besides himself on the front row of the Yamaha. You could see it that way, it's true, but there are two things to consider: firstly, it's very difficult to ask Alex Rins and especially Miguel Oliveira to perform in this very tricky exercise at this stage of their respective careers. Secondly, I actually think that if Jack Miller managed to finish third in Q2 in 2025, then... The thing is, the motorcycle shouldn't be left out in the cold!

Again, I don't claim to know what's best for him; I simply think he sees the glass as half empty rather than half full. He could have, if he had wanted to conform to current communication standards, to use this performance by Miller to say that Yamaha was on the right track.

 

A unique case

 

I'm not basing this theory solely on the Malaysian Grand Prix. but over the entire 2025 seasonI vividly remember the Catalan Grand Prix, where, on Friday evening, he said he had no hope for the race. Then, on both Saturday and Sunday, he was very good. At the following race, in Misano, the journalists asked the same question, and gave the same answer. This time, someone in the audience – whose name I don't know – logically retorted: "You already said that in Catalonia and you finished second in the Sprint."Quartararo didn't back down, and replied that it wasn't possible. "Expect a turnaround like in Barcelona"And, once again, the next day, he achieved a front-row start, with a very impressive pace during the Sprint – where he crashed.

 

 

This could be an attempt to limit the pressure, because, in this way, no one has high expectations of his performance. But I find it hard to believe that a champion of Quartararo's caliber needs this kind of reverse psychology to perform, especially since he never resorted to it in previous seasons. Even when he is indeed fast, he doesn't get carried away, he doesn't declare victory too soon, and recalls the obvious rhythm problem suffered by the Yamaha YZR-M1.

He was also questioned about this discrepancy between his results and his words, and he replied that he "preferred it to be in that direction rather than the other"Yes, we can understand it, but to the ear, Unfortunately, this results in recurring complaints.and portray him as a pilot who is never satisfied. And that cannot be his intention.

 

Does this help Fabio Quartararo?

 

Even though I love this type of rider, I find it hard to believe that Yamaha is very happy about it, especially since they went all out to keep him. Indeed, his harsh comments also concern the V4-powered prototype, which was actually on track at Sepang. When asked on the evening of the first day about a possible discussion with Augusto Fernandez, the test rider, Quartararo said he preferred to leave him alone because he could see " on his face "that it was not transcendent – ​​a finding established primarily by the stopwatch. Speaking of the V4, he issued numerous ultimatums, or warnings, call it what you will.It's a strange way of doing things... but so authentic.

 

Quartararo, one of the last stars?

 

For that reason alone, Quartararo is essential to the MotoGP ecosystem. Personally, I love him as a person; he's one of those riders who isn't afraid to speak their mind because they're fully aware of their potential. This is what makes him a recognized star.Along with everything else: impeccable style, a pearl necklace at all times, bare-chested under his racing suit, undeniable charisma, incredible talent… I've never been a die-hard fan, but his 2025 season, punctuated by moments of pure genius, has made me appreciate him more than ever. He's the only driver whose post-race commentary I eagerly await, as things can get so unpredictable. And in a dreary season like this, it feels good.

I'm very curious to know what you think of Fabio Quartararo's media appearances? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport