The world of MotoGP is never without drama, and Valentino Rossi, the legendary “Doctor,” has once again ignited controversy with a scathing comment directed at Álex Márquez following his crash at the recent Spanish Grand Prix. With just ten words, Rossi sparked a storm of reactions: “It’s his karma, taking unnecessary risks like his brother.” These words, spoken in a post-race interview, have not only reignited the long-standing rivalry between Rossi and the Márquez family, but have also sparked a heated debate about Álex’s riding style and his relationship with the nine-time world champion. What’s behind this comment? Let’s dive into this saga that’s generating buzz.
The 2025 Spanish GP at Jerez was a spectacle of speed and tension, but also of incidents. Gresini Racing team rider Álex Márquez suffered a spectacular crash at Turn 6 while fighting for a top-10 spot. The maneuver, described by analysts as “aggressive,” occurred when Álex attempted to overtake Fabio Quartararo in a tricky section, losing control of his Ducati and ending up in the gravel. Fortunately, he escaped unharmed, but the accident cost him valuable championship points and sparked criticism of his on-track approach.
Valentino Rossi, present in Jerez as a mentor for his VR46 academy and owner of the Mooney VR46 team, didn’t miss the opportunity to comment on the incident. In an interview with DAZN, the Italian uttered his now-infamous remark: “It’s his karma, taking unnecessary risks like his brother.” The comment, though brief, was a clear allusion to Marc Márquez, Álex’s older brother, with whom Rossi maintains one of the most iconic and bitter rivalries in MotoGP history. The remark not only put Álex at the center of controversy, but also reopened wounds from a conflict that seemed to have been left in the past.
To understand the magnitude of Rossi’s comment, we must go back to 2015, when the relationship between Valentino and Marc Márquez was irreparably fractured. Incidents such as the crash in Argentina, the Sepang kick, and Rossi’s accusations that Marc favored Jorge Lorenzo in that year’s title fight marked a turning point. Rossi, who lost the championship by just five points, never forgave Marc, accusing him of being “dirty” on the track. These tensions have extended, to a lesser extent, to Álex Márquez, who, although he has not had direct clashes with Rossi, carries the weight of the family name.
Álex, a two-time world champion (Moto3 2014 and Moto2 2019), has struggled to establish his own identity in MotoGP, but is often overshadowed by his brother’s shadow. Rossi’s comment seems to suggest that Álex inherits not only Marc’s talent, but also what Rossi perceives as a reckless riding style. However, the statistics tell a different story: Álex has proven to be a consistent rider, with two podium finishes in 2024 and a more calculated approach than his brother’s in his early years.
Álex Márquez, known for his reserved nature, responded to Rossi’s comment with a mix of elegance and firmness. In a subsequent press conference, he declared: “I’m not interested in word games. My job is to ride, not fuel rivalries.” When asked directly about the mention of his brother, Álex added: “Marc and I are different, but I’m proud to be his brother. Valentino can say what he wants, but it doesn’t define who I am.” These words were applauded by the fans, who see in Álex a rider who prefers to speak on the track rather than into a microphone.
For his part, Marc Márquez, always protective of his brother, also came to his defense. In an interview with Motorsport.com, Marc commented: “Valentino always seeks headlines; it’s part of his legacy. Álex doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. His accident was a mistake, like the ones we all make.” Marc’s response, though restrained, revealed his frustration at seeing his brother dragged into a narrative that revolves around his own history with Rossi.
Rossi’s comment has divided fans and experts. On the one hand, followers of “Il Dottore” applaud his frankness and see in his words a valid criticism of the aggressive style they associate with the Márquez brothers. On the other hand, many believe Rossi crossed a line by personalizing Álex’s accident and linking it to Marc. Former rider Casey Stoner, who also had his share of disagreements with Rossi, came to Álex’s defense, declaring on the Ducati Diaries podcast: “Valentino has always used the media to destabilize. Álex doesn’t deserve to be collateral damage in his war with Marc.”
The incident has also reignited discussions about Rossi’s influence in MotoGP, even after his retirement in 2021. As the owner of VR46 and a mentor to talents like Pecco Bagnaia, Rossi remains a powerful figure in the paddock. However, his recurring comments about the Márquez brothers suggest that, for him, some wounds never heal.
The Spanish GP made it clear that the Rossi-Márquez saga is far from over. With Álex establishing himself in MotoGP and Marc in the midst of fighting for a ninth world title with Ducati, indirect clashes with Rossi, whether in the media or through his VR46 team, promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The next Grand Prix, at Le Mans, will be an opportunity for Álex to respond on the track, while Rossi, from the pits, will continue to watch.
In a sport where passion and rivalry are as important as speed, Rossi’s comment isn’t just a dig, but a reminder that in MotoGP, the past always finds a way to creep into the present. And as long as the bikes keep roaring, stories like this will continue to ignite the hearts of fans.
