In a stunning outburst that has rocked the MotoGP paddock, reigning champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia has publicly criticized Ducati’s decision to sign Alex Marquez to a factory contract for the 2026 season, accusing the team of betraying him. The Italian, a two-time MotoGP world champion, did not mince words ahead of the Hungary MotoGP at Balaton Park, delivering a scathing 10-word jab: “They betray me, choosing Alex over loyalty to our legacy.” This dramatic statement, reported across MotoGP media and amplified on platforms like X, has sparked intense debate about team dynamics, rider rivalries, and Bagnaia’s future with Ducati as he battles for the 2025 title against Marc Marquez, Alex’s older brother and his current factory teammate.

Bagnaia’s frustration stems from Ducati’s unexpected move to secure Alex Marquez, the younger Marquez brother, who has shown remarkable form in 2025 with Gresini Racing. Alex, riding the 2024-spec Ducati GP24, has consistently outperformed expectations, finishing second in the Austrian Grand Prix sprint and earning multiple podiums, including a historic Grand Prix win in Spain. His performances have caught the eye of Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna, who praised Alex’s adaptability and speed, reportedly leading to a multi-year deal to join the factory Lenovo team in 2026. This decision, however, has left Bagnaia feeling sidelined, as he believes his loyalty and achievements—11 Grand Prix wins in 2024 and two world titles—deserve greater consideration.

The tension between Bagnaia and Ducati has been simmering throughout the 2025 season, exacerbated by Marc Marquez’s arrival at the factory team. Marc, a six-time MotoGP champion, has dominated with 21 victories across sprints and Grands Prix, leaving Bagnaia in his shadow with just one win in Austin. Posts on X have highlighted Bagnaia’s struggles, with fans noting his inability to adapt to the GP25’s front-end issues, a problem Marc has navigated with ease. Bagnaia’s latest comments suggest a deeper sense of betrayal, as he perceives Ducati’s focus shifting toward the Marquez brothers, both of whom are now integral to the Bologna-based manufacturer’s future plans. “I gave everything for Ducati, and they choose Alex?” Bagnaia reportedly fumed in a DAZN interview, a sentiment echoed in his sharp 10-word jab.

The Aragon Grand Prix earlier this season added fuel to the fire, when Bagnaia and Alex collided while battling for third place, resulting in a crash that saw Bagnaia trapped under Alex’s bike. The incident, deemed a racing incident by FIM stewards, led to a public feud, with Bagnaia initially accusing Alex of aggressive riding before offering a public apology in Misano. However, the wounds appear to linger, with Bagnaia’s latest outburst suggesting unresolved tensions. On X, fans have speculated that Bagnaia’s comments reflect frustration not only with Alex’s signing but also with the looming presence of Marc, who will remain his teammate in 2026. Some users have even drawn parallels to the infamous 2015 Rossi-Marquez feud, noting Bagnaia’s ties to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Academy.

Dall’Igna has attempted to defuse the situation, emphasizing Ducati’s commitment to all its riders. “Pecco is our champion, and we support him fully,” he told MotoGP.com, acknowledging the Italian’s contributions while defending the decision to sign Alex. “Alex has earned his place with results. This is about building a stronger Ducati.” Yet, Bagnaia’s public criticism signals a rift that could impact team harmony, especially as the Hungary MotoGP approaches. The new Balaton Park circuit, with its demanding layout, will test Bagnaia’s mental resilience as he trails Marc by 197 points in the championship and faces pressure from rising stars like KTM’s Pedro Acosta and Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi.

Bagnaia’s comments have also sparked rumors about his future. Some reports, including those from motorcyclesports.net, suggest he might consider a move to Honda or KTM if tensions with Ducati persist. However, with a two-year contract in place, such a move seems unlikely in the short term. For now, Bagnaia must focus on regaining his form on a track where he has no prior data, a challenge that could either reignite his championship hopes or deepen his frustrations. As the MotoGP world watches, Bagnaia’s sharp words have cast a shadow over Ducati’s dominant season, raising questions about loyalty, ambition, and the price of success in the high-stakes world of premier-class racing.