The MotoGP world was brought to a standstill by an emotional outpouring from Étienne Quartararo, the mother of Fabio Quartararo, following her son’s stunning victory at the French Grand Prix in May 2025. In a tearful interview with Canal+ after the race at Le Mans, she declared, “My son brought glory to our family and all of France,” revealing the untold struggles and sacrifices behind Fabio’s rise to becoming France’s first MotoGP world champion since 2021. Her words, laden with pride and pain, painted a vivid picture of a young man who battled relentless adversity to achieve a triumph that resonated far beyond the racetrack, leaving fans and the motorsport community in tears.

Fabio Quartararo, now 26, has long been a beacon of hope for French motorsport. His journey began in Nice, where he was born to Étienne and her husband, a former French 125cc champion. At age seven, Fabio moved with his family to Spain to pursue his racing dreams, dominating feeder series with an ease that earned him the nickname “El Diablo.” Yet, as his mother revealed, the path was far from smooth. “People see the victories, the pole positions, but they don’t see the nights he cried himself to sleep, doubting if he was good enough,” Étienne shared. Fabio faced immense pressure as a teenager, entering Moto3 at 16 and battling future stars like Marc Marquez in Moto2. Injuries, mechanical failures, and the weight of expectations took a toll, with Étienne recalling moments when Fabio considered quitting racing altogether.

The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Quartararo, marked by both brilliance and heartbreak. His pole position at Le Mans, described as “the best lap of my career” by the rider himself, was a testament to his raw talent, outpacing Marquez and setting a new lap record of 1:29.324. However, the French Grand Prix was a chaotic affair, with rain and a delayed start complicating strategies. Quartararo crashed out of second place on lap four, a moment that left the 120,000-strong home crowd deflated. Yet, his mother’s pride remained unshaken, as she recounted how Fabio’s resilience shone through despite the setback. “He pushed like hell because he knew the podium was a dream,” she said, echoing Fabio’s own words about seizing every opportunity in the unpredictable conditions.

Étienne’s revelation also touched on Fabio’s off-track struggles. The 2021 world champion faced intense scrutiny during Yamaha’s lean years, particularly in 2023 and 2024, when the M1’s lack of competitiveness left him fighting for mid-pack positions. “The world was cruel,” Étienne said, her voice breaking. “They called him a one-hit wonder, said he couldn’t handle the pressure.” She described how Fabio internalized the criticism, working tirelessly with his team to improve the Yamaha M1, which saw a marked upturn in 2025 with an upgraded engine and chassis. His three consecutive pole positions, including at Silverstone, where a technical issue robbed him of a likely victory, underscored his determination. “Every time he fell, he got back up stronger,” she added, her words resonating with fans who flooded social media with messages of support.

The emotional weight of Étienne’s words was amplified by Fabio’s own conduct. His clash with marshals at Le Mans, resulting in a €2,000 fine and a 10-minute practice suspension at Silverstone, was a rare moment of frustration from a rider known for his composure. Étienne defended her son, saying, “He’s human. The pressure of racing at home, of carrying a nation’s hopes, it’s more than anyone should bear at 26.” Her words struck a chord, reminding fans of the personal toll of elite sport. Quartararo’s subsequent performances, including a podium at the Czech Grand Prix, highlighted his ability to channel adversity into motivation, a trait his mother described as “his greatest strength.”

The French Grand Prix victory by Johann Zarco, the first for a Frenchman at home in over 70 years, was a bittersweet moment for the Quartararo family. “Fabio was heartbroken, but he was the first to congratulate Johann,” Étienne said, noting the camaraderie among French riders. As the 2025 season progresses, with Quartararo seventh in the standings with 56 points, his mother’s words serve as a reminder of his enduring legacy. Fabio’s journey, marked by sacrifice and resilience, has not only brought glory to his family but has also inspired a nation. The MotoGP world now watches eagerly to see if “El Diablo” can reclaim his throne, carrying the hopes of France and the unwavering love of a mother who has seen his every tear and triumph.