France’s MotoGP gun will end his eight-year association with the Japanese manufacturer at the end of the 2026 season, with Alex Rins also set to leave as Miller’s future remains uncertain
Fabio Quartararo’s long tenure with Yamaha will conclude at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season, with the manufacturer formally confirming that both the Frenchman and team-mate Alex Rins will depart once the campaign is complete.
The announcement brings official clarity to a situation that had been the subject of sustained speculation. Quartararo has been widely linked with a move to Honda from 2027, while reports have indicated that Rins may not remain on the MotoGP grid beyond Yamaha’s current cycle.
Quartararo joined the Yamaha project in 2019 through Petronas SRT before being promoted to the factory team in 2021 as Valentino Rossi’s successor. That move delivered immediate success, with Quartararo securing the MotoGP world championship in his first season in the works set-up.
Across his time with Yamaha, Quartararo has amassed 11 grand prix victories and 32 podium finishes, establishing himself as one of the manufacturer’s defining riders of the modern era. His relationship with the team, however, has become increasingly strained in recent seasons as Yamaha struggled to provide him with machinery capable of consistently fighting at the front.
Rins, who joined the factory Yamaha team in 2024, arrived with extensive premier-class experience and a proven record as a race winner. Although results have often been difficult to secure, he has been regarded as an important figure in Yamaha’s development efforts during a challenging period for the project.
Despite the frustrations that have marked the latter part of his Yamaha career, Quartararo adopted a gracious and reflective tone in his public response to the news.
“After eight seasons, the time has come for me to close an important chapter of my career,” he said.
“I want to sincerely thank Yamaha for giving me my chance at the highest level, for believing in me, and for supporting me throughout all these years.
“Together, we shared unforgettable moments: a world championship title, eleven victories, podiums, pole positions, and above all, an incredible human and sporting journey that I will carry with me forever.
“Yamaha is not just a team to me – it is a part of my story, my growth as a rider and as a person.
“Today, I feel it is the right moment to take on a new challenge, to start fresh, and to push myself toward new horizons.
“Thank you for everything. Forever grateful.”
Yamaha stated that both Quartararo and Rins will remain fully committed to the team through the conclusion of the 2026 season, with the manufacturer also expressing its gratitude for their professionalism, dedication and contribution.
Attention will now turn to the composition of Yamaha’s 2027 line-up. Jorge Martin is expected to replace Quartararo, while Ai Ogura has been tipped to succeed Rins. Quartararo, meanwhile, is anticipated to join the factory Honda team, with David Alonso mentioned as a possible future team-mate.
Jack Miller’s MotoGP future remains highly uncertain. The experienced Queenslander wasn’t invited to ride the new 850cc project recently despite his wealth of expereince, with Razgatlioglu taking on the testing duties instead. Asked if he knew why he wasn’t asked to test the new project, Miller replied,
“Ah, yeah, because I don’t have a job. They don’t see the need for it. I try to keep things positive, keep things professional, try to give my honest feedback.”
Paddock whispers suggest Miller’s seat is under serious threat from Pramac Moto2 rider Izan Guevara, although Senna Agius is also being closely watched by several teams.
