Let's talk MotoGP: Here's why Pecco Bagnaia is disliked – 1/2

Today, time for a subject that I have wanted to cover for a long time. If you hang out on social networks, or even go to the circuits, it is easy to see that Pecco Bagnaia is not the most loved of MotoGP riders despite his talent. This contrasts with his very calm, composed, uneventful character. And yet, for reasons that are ultimately quite complex, it is far from unanimous. Together, we will try to determine the foundations of this animosity, over the course of two days.

The subject of these two articles is quite fascinating, I must admit, because pinning it down is not easy. Unlike Jorge Martín and Enea Bastianini, the “arrogant”, to the Espargaró brothers, the loud mouths, to Márquez, the brilliant troublemaker, Pecco Bagnaia is perfectly discreet on all levels. He does nothing that warrants such public aversion. Its “smoother” side does not explain the comments about it either. Andrea Dovizioso was more so, and yet no one attacked him, indeed, he was appreciated for it. So, before focusing on the reasons for the hostility, let's try to eliminate the red herrings.

 

A problem linked to Social Networks?

 

First of all, we must contextualize. It is true that social networks only reflect part of the opinion. On Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, only the strongest opinions are put forward, but the silent majority is indifferent. Everybody knows that. However, we cannot brush negative comments under the rug, especially when it comes to trying to explain them as is the case today. Because it is clear that the majority of other drivers are not shot down as much as him. First false lead; The fact that the aversion towards Pecco is more concentrated on social networks does not explain it, nor justify it. Yes, people who comment negatively carry weight, because they represent a fairly large sample. Besides, the opposite argument also works: he has few fans for such a handsome double world champion.

 

 

The resentment of 2022?

 

But isn’t that because we are French? Already, we have the reputation of not liking anything, not even our own champions. And it must be said that part of the French public does not appreciate Bagnaia, does not give him the credit he deserves. Perhaps because he soundly beat Fabio Quartararo in 2022, taking more than 90 points from him in half a season? This should work. Well, not quite. Because you see, I am very interested in what is said abroad. And many Spaniards, and even more incredibly, Italians, do not hesitate to shoot him in comments. It is not unanimous in Europe either.

 

 

Those who win are always less loved, right?

 

Third and final false lead, the fact that he is the man of the moment. A common misconception is that in history, those who win are not loved. Except that it is partly false, and that it depends above all on the manner, but also and above all, on the character of the winner. The example of Max Verstappen in Formula 1 is glaring. He is loved as much as he is hated because he has many successes, but it is also and above all due to his character. We must not confuse this, because it is when an athlete wins that he begins to let go, on his positions, or on his attitude. Lewis Hamilton is another great example. For Michael Schumacher, it was not weariness but the manner that was bothersome. On the other hand, there are just as many on the other side. Jim Clark, dominant in the 1960s in F1, was loved by everyone. And then, in MotoGP, Valentino Rossi was highly regarded when he crushed the competition. It was only in the late 2010s that a current of hatred towards “The Doctor” emerged. During the 2000s, almost everyone was a fan of “Valé”.

 

 

And then, even if Bagnaia is a double reigning champion, it does not “dominate” however. Both coronations were decided in Valencia, and this season he has not been able to win two consecutive races. Nothing to do with the Rossi of the early 21st century. So this reason is not valid; Bagnaia is not upset because he wins too often.

But then why do people have trouble with him?

Part two is available! Click here to find it!

By then Don’t hesitate to tell me what you think in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport