Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially confirmed that both Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will conclude their tenure with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team at the end of the 2026 season. News of this separation will likely come as a surprise to nobody, considering Quarararo has long been critical of the brand, especially after Yamaha switched to a V4 and still is circulating at the back of the grid. Rins, meanwhile, hasn’t come close to producing any of the results he produced during previous tenures with Suzuki and Honda.
The decision marks the definitive end of an era for the Japanese manufacturer, particularly regarding Quartararo. The Frenchman joined the factory program in 2019, securing 11 premier-class victories, 32 podiums, and the historic 2021 MotoGP World Championship title. While Rins only joined the squad in 2024, his engineering feedback was highly valued as Yamaha attempted to claw its way back to the front of the grid.
The vacancy at Yamaha paves the way for Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura to take their place, which has been rumored to happen for weeks, and is now official (and will follow in a separate post).
The full press release is below.
Begin press release:
Yamaha to Conclude Their Partnership with Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins at the End of the 2026 MotoGP Season
Today, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces that Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will conclude their collaboration with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.
Quartararo joined the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP project in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the premier talents in the sport. His stint with Yamaha has been highlighted by 11 race victories, 32 podium finishes, and the crowning achievement of securing the 2021 MotoGP World Championship title.
Throughout his time with Yamaha, Quartararo has grown into a darling of the crowd thanks to his cheerful personality. He is admired by fans for his authenticity, determination, and wholehearted commitment on and off the track.
Rins joined the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and proven race-winning ability. Over the course of his time with Yamaha, he has contributed with his experience and determination, helping to drive the development of the machine and strengthen the team’s overall performance.
Yamaha and both riders will continue to fully commit to the shared objective of achieving the best possible results through to the end of the 2026 campaign.
Yamaha expresses its sincere gratitude to both Quartararo and Rins for their dedication, professionalism, and achievements, and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.
PAOLO PAVESIO
Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing
“Fabio and Álex have both played an important role in Yamaha’s MotoGP project, and we are very grateful for their efforts, dedication, and collaboration over the years.
“Fabio’s journey with Yamaha spans eight years, during which we have shared both great successes and difficult moments. Together, we have grown, celebrated achievements that have shaped our story, and faced challenges that have strengthened us. Beyond the results, it is this journey that defines our relationship, and in the end, Fabio will always remain one of the true legends of Yamaha MotoGP.
“Since joining Yamaha in 2024, Álex has brought valuable experience, meaningful insight, and unwavering commitment, playing an important role in the YZR-M1 project’s development.
“While saying goodbye is never easy after years together, we remain fully focused on working as a team to achieve the best possible results until the end of the season.”
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