The MotoGP world was rocked by a dramatic announcement from Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna, who confirmed that Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s contract with the factory team has been terminated following a disheartening performance at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix. Speaking at a somber press conference at the Assen circuit, Dall’Igna expressed regret but stood firm on the decision, citing Bagnaia’s consistently poor results throughout the 2025 season and a growing sense of frustration within the team. The move marks a stunning fall from grace for the two-time MotoGP champion, whose struggles and perceived unfair treatment have culminated in this unprecedented exit.

Bagnaia, who clinched the MotoGP titles in 2022 and 2023, has endured a torrid 2025 season, plagued by crashes, mechanical issues, and an inability to match the pace of his rivals. The Dutch GP, a track where he previously dominated, was expected to be a chance for redemption. Instead, it became a low point, with Bagnaia finishing a dismal P12 in the main race after a crash in the sprint event. His lackluster qualifying in P9 and visible struggles with the Desmosedici GP25’s setup only deepened the disappointment. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to a string of similar performances, with Bagnaia failing to secure a single victory in the first half of the season, a stark contrast to his earlier dominance.

The Italian rider’s challenges have been compounded by what many in his camp describe as unfair treatment within Ducati. Sources close to Bagnaia suggest that the team’s focus has shifted toward younger riders like Enea Bastianini and rising star Fermín Aldeguer, leaving Bagnaia feeling sidelined. Reports of strained relations with team management have circulated, with some claiming that Dall’Igna and other Ducati bosses grew increasingly frustrated with Bagnaia’s inability to adapt to the bike’s evolving setup. “Pecco is a champion, but he hasn’t delivered what we need,” Dall’Igna stated. “The team cannot afford to wait any longer.” This sentiment reflects a broader exasperation among Ducati’s leadership, who have invested heavily in maintaining their competitive edge.

The Dutch GP weekend encapsulated Bagnaia’s struggles. His crash in the sprint race at Turn 8 was attributed to overzealous riding as he attempted to keep up with the front-runners. In the main race, he was unable to recover from a poor start, languishing in the midfield while Bastianini and Marc Márquez battled for the podium. Social media erupted with criticism, with hashtags like #BagnaiaOut trending as fans voiced their disappointment. Some supporters, however, argued that Bagnaia has been unfairly targeted, pointing to his past successes and the intense pressure he faces as Ducati’s lead rider.

The termination of Bagnaia’s contract, originally set to run through 2026, has sparked intense speculation about Ducati’s next steps. Bastianini, who has outperformed Bagnaia in several races this season, is a strong contender for the factory seat. Meanwhile, Aldeguer, currently with Pramac, could be promoted earlier than anticipated. The decision is critical for Ducati, which faces stiff competition from KTM, Yamaha, and Aprilia, all of whom have made significant strides in 2025. Losing Bagnaia, a rider who once embodied Ducati’s championship hopes, is a gamble that could reshape the team’s future.

For Bagnaia, the announcement is a career-defining moment. At 28, he remains a marketable talent, and rumors suggest that Honda and Yamaha are already exploring options to sign him. However, his recent string of poor results may force him to consider a satellite team, a significant step down from his factory status. Some speculate that he could take a sabbatical to regroup, though his competitive nature makes this unlikely. “Pecco will fight back,” said a source close to the rider. “He’s faced adversity before and come out stronger.”

As MotoGP heads toward the next races, the paddock is abuzz with questions about Ducati’s strategy and Bagnaia’s next move. The termination of his contract signals the end of an era for the Italian manufacturer, which must now navigate a delicate transition to maintain its dominance. For Bagnaia, the road ahead is uncert