Yamaha MotoGP rider Fabio Quartararo has signaled that his focus is shifting as he looks towards his future, saying he now wants to “look for myself.”
The 2021 world champion is one of the major figures in the 2027 rider market, with his lucrative factory contract with Yamaha set to expire at the end of this year. Quartararo was convinced to stay with Yamaha for the 2025 and 2026 seasons on a deal reportedly worth MYR62.4 million per year, having previously turned down an offer from Aprilia.
However, his time in this contract period has yielded limited success. Quartararo has secured just one Grand Prix podium as Yamaha struggled, finishing last in the manufacturers’ standings.
According to a motogp.com documentary, Quartararo reflected on his goals for the current deal, noting that he initially aimed to “bring some really good results back to Yamaha.” He added that those objectives no longer define his focus.
“The only thing that can convince me is for me to jump on the bike and feel that I’m fast and enjoying it,” Quartararo said when asked about the possibility of continuing with Yamaha beyond 2026. “When I signed for this year and next year, my goal was to bring results back to Yamaha. But right now, I want to look for myself, for my personal future and goals.”
Yamaha will compete with a V4 engine for the first time this year as it attempts to climb back up the order. Quartararo’s feedback on the new machine has been cautious, with his expectations for an immediately competitive bike clashing with Yamaha’s gradual development approach.
Source: Motorsports.com
The upcoming pre-season tests at Sepang and Buriram could be Yamaha’s final opportunity to persuade Quartararo to commit to the team for 2027. During Yamaha’s recent livery launch, the team confirmed that no discussions about a new contract had yet taken place.
Meanwhile, Quartararo has been linked to potential moves to Honda, Aprilia, and Ducati, all of which can offer competitive packages for the 2027 season. His decision is likely to be influenced by both performance and personal goals as the new season approaches.
