Bagnaia Reflects on 'Big Mistake' in Difficult 2025 Ducati Season

The Italian rider struggled to adapt to the GP25 bike, but is optimistic about a fresh start in 2026.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Francesco Bagnaia's 2025 MotoGP season was a major disappointment, as he failed to find comfort with Ducati's new GP25 bike and finished fifth in the championship. Bagnaia admits he made a 'big mistake' early on by not being happy with the bike's performance, which led to technical issues and a drop in form after the summer break. However, the rider is optimistic about a fresh start in 2026, as Ducati has reportedly addressed some of his biggest complaints from last year.

Why it matters

Bagnaia's struggles in 2025 highlight the challenges modern MotoGP riders face in adapting to rapidly evolving bike technology. As bikes become less reliant on individual riding styles, top riders must be able to quickly adapt their approach. Bagnaia's self-reflection and willingness to work with Ducati on improvements for 2026 suggest he has learned from this experience and is poised for a potential bounce-back season.

The details

Bagnaia had high hopes coming into the 2025 season, still dealing with the frustration of missing out on the title by just 10 points the previous year. However, early on it was clear the new GP25 bike would be a major challenge. Bagnaia struggled particularly with braking and corner entry, while teammate Marc Marquez thrived on the new bike, winning 25 races and the championship. Bagnaia managed just two victories and finished fifth overall. He acknowledged making a 'big mistake' by not being happy with the bike's performance, which led to technical issues and a sharp drop in form after the summer break.

  • Bagnaia had a solid start to the 2025 season, picking up seven podiums in the first 11 races, including a win in Austin.
  • After the summer break, Bagnaia's form dropped off sharply, with five retirements in the final six rounds.

The players

Francesco Bagnaia

An Italian MotoGP rider who struggled with Ducati's new GP25 bike in the 2025 season, finishing fifth in the championship.

Marc Marquez

Bagnaia's Ducati teammate, who thrived on the GP25 bike in 2025, winning 25 races and the championship.

Jorge Martin

The 2024 MotoGP champion who switched to Aprilia for the 2025 season.

Ducati

The Italian motorcycle manufacturer that produced the GP25 bike, which Bagnaia struggled to adapt to in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“But then last year was a very difficult season in many ways. Definitely at the beginning I made a big mistake by not being happy with certain results that in the end didn't even come.”

— Francesco Bagnaia (BENZINE // Cosimo Curatola YouTube channel)

What’s next

With Ducati appearing to have made significant improvements to address rider feedback for 2026, there is optimism within Bagnaia's camp that he can return to form. The new bike has reportedly addressed some of his biggest complaints from last year, particularly around braking stability and corner entry.

The takeaway

Bagnaia's struggles in 2025 highlight the challenges modern MotoGP riders face in adapting to rapidly evolving bike technology. His willingness to reflect on his own mistakes and work with Ducati on improvements for 2026 suggests he has learned from this experience and is poised for a potential bounce-back season.