Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins to leave Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team at end of 2026 season
Updated 30/06/2026 at 20:22 GMT+1
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Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will leave the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team at the end of the 2026 season, the team has announced, meaning they will have an all-new line-up for their 2027 campaign.
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Quartararo joined Yamaha in 2019, while Rins came on board in 2024.
But the pair have both struggled this season, with Quartararo sitting 14th in the MotoGP championship standings, and Rins sitting 19th.
As a pair, they have managed just one podium finish since the start of the 2024 season, which came when Quartararo finished third in last year's Grand Prix Spain.
Paolo Pavesio, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing, said the manufacturer is "very grateful for their efforts, dedication, and collaboration over the years".
"Fabio and Alex have both played an important role in Yamaha's MotoGP project," Pavesio said in a statement.
"While saying goodbye is never easy after years together, we remain fully focused on working as a team to achieve the best possible results until the end of the season."
After joining Yamaha seven years ago, Quartararo became one of the more successful riders on the scene, helping bring the team back to the top of the sport.
The Frenchman has brought about 11 race victories and 32 podium finishes, with the most memorable achievement being his 2021 MotoGP world championship title.
In the statement, Yamaha said Quartararo, 27, became a "darling of the crowd thanks to his cheerful personality", adding that he is "admired by fans for his authenticity, determination and wholehearted commitment on and off the track".
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Pavesio went on: "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. 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."
Rins, meanwhile, was not able to have as much success as his team-mate after joining Yamaha.
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Alex Rins in the pit lane at Assen on Sunday
Image credit: Getty Images
His arrival at Yamaha two years ago came after he recovered from an injury he suffered during his stint with Honda.
So far this season, he has 19 points across 10 races.
The Spaniard had confirmed in April that he would leave the team after the season.
"Since joining Yamaha in 2024, Alex has brought valuable experience, meaningful insight, and unwavering commitment, playing an important role in the YZR-M1 project's development," Pavesio said.
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Yamaha said that both Quartararo and Rins will "continue to fully commit" to having as much success as they can throughout the rest of the season.
The changes at Yamaha continue the shake-up across the MotoGP roster ahead of the 2027 season.
Elsewhere, it has already been announced that Francesco Bagnaia will depart Ducati Lenovo at the end of the season to sign with Aprilia.
His seat will be filled by KTM rider Pedro Acosta, who has long been expected to link up with Ducati’s factory team, with Acosta teaming up with Marc Marquez, who has signed a two-year contract to remain at Ducati.
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