So far, it has been a tough season for Yamaha, but Fabio Quartararo continues to shine through the struggles. Quartararo has managed to finish inside the top 10 in eight of his last nine races, which could be taken as a sign that his determination continues, even when the results haven’t always shown his true speed.

After all, there is hope on the horizon for Yamaha. Their long-awaited V4 engine promises more power and a possible end to their long-standing speed disadvantage. For a team once used to fighting for wins, it could be the lifeline they desperately need. However, after testing and its premiere during a weekend not long ago, the engine didn’t perform as well as expected.

Quartararo looks set to finish ninth in the MotoGP standings, his best result since 2022, when he ended the season as runner-up to Francesco Bagnaia. He even came close to victory this year, especially at Silverstone, where he was cruelly let down by a ride-height device failure. Second place remains his best result of the season, but everyone knows that he deserves more.

Things took a frustrating turn in Indonesia, where Quartararo struggled to understand his pace problems. The special Michelin tyre used for that race left him baffled, and he has admitted that Yamaha’s development seems behind their rivals, a worrying sign, especially with the new regulations coming in 2027.

Despite the challenges, Quartararo’s loyalty to Yamaha is remarkable. Many have urged him to join Ducati, but he has stood by the team that gave him his first MotoGP opportunity. He refuses to abandon a project he has given so much of himself to. Still, patience can only last so long.

Spanish journalist Mela Chércoles has claimed that Quartararo is having sleepless nights over his future. As he revealed to AS:

“Do you know who already has nightmares at night and has trouble falling asleep? Fabio Quartararo. Quartararo doesn’t know what he’s going to do yet. He loves the people he’s with, but he needs Yamaha to give him a competitive bike. If not, I’m very clear that this time he’s going to put sporting and economic priorities first.”

This particular quote sums up Quartararo’s dilemma perfectly. In simpler terms, the heart says stay, but the head knows time is running out. He is in the prime of his career, yet he often finds himself battling in the midfield instead of at the front.

Still, there are reasons to be hopeful. The next few races could offer a lifeline. After Phillip Island, MotoGP returns to Malaysia, a track where Yamaha impressed during pre-season testing. The layout plays to the bike’s strengths, and Quartararo knows it could be one of his final chances to grab a long-awaited victory.

With Marc Márquez ruled out of the upcoming race, the opportunity couldn’t be clearer. It has been three and a half years since Quartararo last stood on the top step of the podium, and another victory would mean more than just points, it would lift the whole team’s morale.

Whether it’s his last win with Yamaha or the start of a comeback, one thing is clear: Fabio Quartararo isn’t done fighting yet.