Gerno di Lesmo, Italy, June 30, 2026: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has officially confirmed that both Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins will leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team at the conclusion of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.

The announcement marks the end of two significant partnerships, with Quartararo bringing an eight-year association with Yamaha to a close, while Rins will depart after three seasons with the factory squad.

Despite the announcement, Yamaha confirmed that both riders will remain fully committed to the team for the remainder of the 2026 campaign as they target the strongest possible finish to the season.

End of an Era for Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha

Quartararo joined Yamaha’s factory MotoGP project in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the championship’s brightest stars.

During his time with Yamaha, the French rider achieved:

• 2021 MotoGP World Championship
• 11 Grand Prix victories
• 32 podium finishes

His 2021 title ended Yamaha’s long wait for a riders’ championship and cemented Quartararo’s place among the manufacturer’s modern MotoGP legends.

Beyond his achievements on the racetrack, Yamaha praised Quartararo’s popularity with fans, highlighting his authenticity, determination and commitment throughout his eight-year tenure.

Álex Rins Played Key Role in Yamaha’s Development

Rins joined the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team in 2024, bringing extensive MotoGP experience and multiple race victories to the Japanese manufacturer.

Although his stint with Yamaha was shorter, the Spaniard played an important role in developing the YZR-M1 motorcycle and contributed valuable technical feedback aimed at improving the team’s competitiveness.

Yamaha credited Rins’ professionalism, experience and determination as important factors in strengthening the factory programme over the past three seasons.

Yamaha Thanks Both Riders

In its official statement, Yamaha expressed its gratitude to both riders for their dedication and professionalism while wishing them success in the next stages of their careers.

The manufacturer also emphasised that both Quartararo and Rins remain fully focused on helping Yamaha achieve the best possible results before their departures at the end of the season.

Paolo Pavesio Pays Tribute to Quartararo and Rins

Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, thanked both riders for their contributions to the MotoGP project.

Speaking about Quartararo, Pavesio said:

“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.”

He added:

“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.”

On Rins, Pavesio praised the Spaniard’s contribution to the development programme.

“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 acknowledging that parting ways is never easy, Pavesio stressed that Yamaha’s immediate priority remains delivering strong performances through the remainder of the 2026 MotoGP season.

Focus Turns to Yamaha’s Future

The departures of Quartararo and Rins signal a significant transition for Yamaha as the manufacturer prepares for the next chapter of its MotoGP project.

Attention will now turn to who Yamaha chooses to lead its factory effort beyond 2026, with the rider market expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 season.