Yamaha confirms Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave after 2026

Japanese manufacturer Yamaha Motor Company has confirmed that its partnership with riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will come to an end after the 2026 MotoGP season.

Quartararo has been one of Yamaha’s most successful riders in recent years. The French rider joined the factory project in 2019 and quickly became one of the leading names in MotoGP. During his time with Yamaha, he has taken 11 race victories and 32 podium finishes. His biggest achievement came in 2021 when he won the MotoGP World Championship, becoming Yamaha’s first premier-class world champion since 2015.

Quartararo’s future is already clear. He is expected to move to the factory Honda team for the 2027 season on a two-year deal. The move will give him a fresh challenge as Honda continues working to return to the front of the MotoGP grid.

Rins joined Yamaha in 2024 after previous spells with other MotoGP teams. The Spanish rider brought valuable experience to the squad and played an important role in helping develop the bike. Yamaha praised his commitment and contribution to the team during his time with the manufacturer.

The future of Rins is less certain. Although he has won 18 Grands Prix during his career, including six victories in MotoGP’s premier class, there has been no official announcement about where he will race after 2026. Reports suggest that he may leave the championship, but no final decision has been confirmed.

Despite the upcoming changes, Yamaha, Quartararo and Rins will continue working together until the end of the 2026 season. The team says its full focus remains on achieving the best possible results before the partnership ends.

The announcement also moves Yamaha closer to confirming its rider line-up for 2027. The Japanese manufacturer is widely expected to sign reigning star Jorge Martin and fellow Japanese rider Ai Ogura. While Yamaha has not yet officially announced the pair, they are expected to form the team’s new rider line-up for the future.

With major changes on the horizon, Yamaha is preparing for a new era as it looks to challenge once again for race wins and world championships in MotoGP.