In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the MotoGP world, Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna has announced that Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s contract for the 2026 season is no longer valid, following a string of disappointing performances, culminating in a lackluster showing at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. The decision, revealed in the aftermath of Bagnaia’s ninth-place finish at the Balaton Park circuit, marks a dramatic shift for the Italian rider, who was once hailed as Ducati’s golden boy and a two-time MotoGP world champion. This announcement has sparked intense debate about Bagnaia’s future, Ducati’s strategy, and the pressures of maintaining dominance in a fiercely competitive championship.

The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Bagnaia, who has struggled to adapt to the Ducati GP25. Despite flashes of brilliance, such as his pole position at the Czech Grand Prix, Bagnaia has been consistently outshone by teammate Marc Márquez, who has dominated the season with multiple victories, including a double win in Hungary. Bagnaia’s ninth-place finish in Hungary, marred by a long-lap penalty and a critical mistake on the final lap, was a low point in a season already plagued by crashes and inconsistent results. His struggles with the GP25’s front-end feel and braking issues have been well-documented, and despite setup changes made during the Hungarian weekend, the results have not met the expectations set by his championship-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

Dall’Igna’s decision to terminate Bagnaia’s 2026 contract comes as a surprise, given the Italian manufacturer’s previous unwavering support for their star rider. In a statement to the media, Dall’Igna expressed sadness but emphasized the need for change: “Pecco has been a phenomenal talent and a cornerstone of Ducati’s success, but we cannot ignore the results. The GP25 is a highly competitive machine, as shown by Marc’s performance. We must make tough decisions to ensure Ducati remains at the forefront of MotoGP.” This move follows months of speculation about Bagnaia’s future, with rumors linking him to Yamaha as a “dream signing” for 2026, though Bagnaia firmly denied those claims earlier in the season, reaffirming his loyalty to Ducati.

The Hungarian Grand Prix was a turning point. Bagnaia’s struggles were evident from practice, where he failed to progress from Q1, a stark contrast to Márquez’s pole position and eventual victories. Despite a promising warm-up session where Bagnaia claimed to have found a solution to his bike issues, his race performance fell short. Dall’Igna noted that while Bagnaia showed improvement compared to practice, the results were not enough to justify his place in Ducati’s long-term plans. “We made significant changes to Pecco’s bike, and his feelings were positive, but in this sport, results matter. We cannot afford to wait,” Dall’Igna said, hinting at the competitive pressure within the team, particularly with Márquez’s relentless dominance.

The decision has profound implications for both Bagnaia and Ducati. For Bagnaia, the termination of his contract raises questions about his next move. At 28 years old, he remains a highly sought-after talent, but his struggles with the GP25 have dented his confidence and marketability. Teams like Yamaha and Aprilia may see an opportunity to secure a proven champion, but Bagnaia will need to rediscover his form to reclaim his status as a title contender. For Ducati, the move signals a bold commitment to maintaining their competitive edge, likely prioritizing Márquez and emerging talents like Fermín Aldeguer, who has impressed in his rookie season with Gresini.

The MotoGP paddock is abuzz with reactions. Fans and analysts are divided, with some praising Ducati’s ruthless approach and others lamenting the loss of a rider who brought Italy its first MotoGP titles in over a decade. Bagnaia’s departure could reshape the rider market for 2026, with teams already scrambling to adjust their lineups. Meanwhile, the focus shifts to the remaining races of 2025, where Bagnaia will aim to prove his worth, starting with the upcoming Misano Grand Prix. For now, the MotoGP world watches with bated breath as one of its biggest stars faces an uncertain future, and Ducati braces for a new chapter without their once-unassailable champion.