The 2025 MotoGP season has been a whirlwind of drama, and at its center is a fiery controversy sparked by Marc Marquez’s provocative statement about his Ducati teammate, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. During a tense press conference following the Aragon Grand Prix, Marquez, the championship leader, delivered a biting 10-word remark: “He makes Ducati lose power; his deal should be canceled.” This accusation, aimed squarely at Bagnaia, has ignited debates across the paddock, casting a shadow over Ducati’s factory team dynamics and raising questions about Bagnaia’s future with the Italian manufacturer. As Marquez dominates the 2025 season, his comments have amplified tensions, painting a complex picture of rivalry, technical struggles, and corporate politics.

Marquez’s rise to prominence in 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. After joining the factory Ducati Lenovo team following a stellar 2024 campaign with Gresini Racing, the eight-time world champion has adapted seamlessly to the Desmosedici GP25. With eight Grand Prix wins and 11 sprint victories in the first 12 rounds, Marquez leads the championship by a commanding 93 points. His ability to extract performance from the GP25, particularly with a new chassis he’s been developing since Jerez, has set him apart. Marquez’s aggressive riding style, which thrives on the bike’s incisive front end, has allowed him to dominate tracks like Mugello and Aragon, where he claimed pole positions and victories with ease. His success, however, has come at the expense of Bagnaia, whose struggles have been stark in comparison.

Bagnaia, a two-time MotoGP champion, has endured a challenging 2025 season. Despite his familiarity with Ducati, having ridden for the factory team since 2021, he has managed only one Grand Prix win—at the Circuit of the Americas, where Marquez crashed out of the lead. Bagnaia’s difficulties stem from a persistent lack of front-end feel on the GP25, a bike he claims differs significantly from the 2024 model despite Ducati reverting to the 2024 engine after pre-season testing. His complaints about front-wheel slippage during hard braking have limited his performance, leaving him third in the standings, 110 points behind Marquez. Bagnaia’s frustration was palpable at Mugello, where he admitted, “I can’t do what I know how to do,” as Marquez surged to victory. This disparity has fueled speculation about Ducati’s faith in their homegrown talent.

Marquez’s statement, delivered with a mix of mockery and frustration, reflects deeper tensions within the Ducati garage. Sources close to the team suggest that Marquez’s dominance has shifted Ducati’s focus, with engineers prioritizing setups that suit his riding style. Bagnaia’s preference for the 2024 chassis and larger 355mm brake discs, which he claims restore some of his lost confidence, has been met with resistance. Marquez, ever the pragmatist, dismissed these adjustments, stating, “When you try many setups and don’t feel comfortable, you’re the problem, not the bike.” This comment, coupled with his call to cancel Bagnaia’s deal, has been interpreted as a strategic jab, possibly aimed at unsettling his teammate or influencing Ducati’s long-term plans. Some observers, like analyst Ricard Jové, have noted that Ducati is “starting to lose respect for Pecco,” suggesting that Marquez’s influence is reshaping team dynamics.

The fallout from Marquez’s remarks has been swift. Team manager Davide Tardozzi has publicly defended Bagnaia, insisting that the Italian is not under pressure and that the team is working to restore his confidence. However, the introduction of a new aerodynamic fairing at Aragon, which Bagnaia embraced but Marquez approached cautiously, highlights a growing technical schism. Marquez’s ability to “ride a tractor” and still outperform his teammate has given him a psychological edge, while Bagnaia’s struggles have raised questions about his adaptability. Ducati’s decision to sign Marquez over Jorge Martin in 2024, despite Martin’s consistency, was already controversial, and Marquez’s latest comments have reignited discussions about whether Bagnaia’s contract, which runs through 2026, is secure.

The broader implications for Ducati are significant. The manufacturer has enjoyed a 19-race win streak, but internal discord could jeopardize their dominance. With riders like Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales excelling at KTM’s Tech3 team, and young talents like Fermin Aldeguer eyeing a factory seat in 2027, Ducati faces a delicate balancing act. Marquez’s marketing value and on-track prowess make him indispensable, but alienating Bagnaia, a proven champion, risks destabilizing the team. As the season heads toward Misano, all eyes will be on whether Bagnaia can rediscover his form or if Marquez’s dominance—and sharp tongue—will continue to reshape Ducati’s future. For now, Marquez’s accusation has not only exposed cracks in the team but also ensured that the 2025 season remains as much a psychological battle as a sporting one.