What if MotoGP is about to undergo a historic earthquake? According to Marco Melandri, a hypothesis is gaining traction in the paddock: Marc Marquez could end his career at the end of the 2026 season… if he wins another world title. This scenario would deprive the championship of an explosive duel that everyone is already anticipating: Marquez versus Pedro Acosta, both riding for Ducati.
While many expected to see Marquez extend quickly with Ducati Corse, it is finally Marco Bezzecchi who drew first by signing with aprilia-racing.
On the Spanish champion's side, caution prevails. Still recovering from his shoulder injury sustained during last year's Indonesian Grand Prix, Marquez prefers to wait until fully recovered before committing.
But for MelandriThis delay could be hiding something else. He did not renew his contract for next year, so in my opinion, He's really thinking about what he'll do after 2026. »
The context makes the situation even more intriguing. In the paddock, many consider the arrival ofAcosta in Ducati in 2027 to replace Francis Bagnaia.
A scenario that would place the young Spanish prodigy face to face with Marc Marquez on the same team. And Melandri thinks the six-time MotoGP champion might want to avoid this duel.
« If he's not at 100%, he'll go see Acosta next to him; he doesn't want to risk losing to a teammate. »
Because so far, the statistics are impressive: Marquez has never been beaten by a teammate in MotoGP.
Marco Melandri: “ Marc Marquez is in serious trouble. You can see it in the way he's riding. »
For Melandri, some signs already point to a change in the management of Marquez that holds the top spot. " Marquez is in serious trouble. You can see it in his riding style. He's riding much more calmly, much more thoughtfully, less instinctively. »
But this transformation is not necessarily negative. On the contrary, he believes it reveals a more strategic pilot.
« I'm telling you, in my opinion, Marquez will rarely be the fastest this year, but it's the most complete driver »
This judgment highlights the Spaniard's unique ability to maximize his results even when pure speed is not there.
Despite the doubts, Melandri remains convinced of one thing: Marquez remains the favorite for the title.
« Its strength, in my opinion, lies in his ability to be well-rounded and to always think about the championship. »
Even after the recent bad luck – notably the puncture that destroyed his tire and rim – he could have been leading the championship. Melandri adds: I therefore maintain that he is the man to beat »
The question of age also comes up in the analysis of MelandriMarquez became in 2025 the oldest MotoGP champion of the modern eraor a 32 years old, surpassing the record of Valentino Rossiwho had won his last title at 30 years old.
According to Melandri, the bar of 35 years old could mark a turning point. On a motorcycle, you age faster than in a car. 35 is already an advanced age. »
Today, only a few drivers on the grid are over thirty: Franco Morbidelli, Brad Binder, Maverick Vinales, Johann Zarco, and Jack Miller.
For MelandriThe scenario is clear: if Marquez If he wins another title this season, he could choose to retire at the top, with a record superior to that of Rossi.
« I think that if he wins the world championship, he will stop at the end of the year. He would have won one more than Rossi »
A hypothesis that remains highly speculative… but one that would be enough to cause a real earthquake in MotoGP. Because if Marquez starting in 2026, the duel with Acosta in Ducati would never see the light of day. And it would perhaps be one of the greatest clashes that MotoGP has ever seen.
