Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Why 2026 might set a new benchmark for silly seasons thanks to MotoGP

12:30, 25 Jan

byKada Sarkozi

MotoGP could replicate the 2024 Formula 1 silly season, and could even surpass it by some distance.

Heading into 2027, a major regulation change awaits the competition. The engines will be downsized from 1000cc to 850cc, and aerodynamics will be reduced as well.

In short, MotoGP in 2026 mirrors Formula 1 in 2025. In the four-wheeled competition however, only a couple of changes were made heading into the new campaign: Isack Hadjar became Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing, and Arvid Lindblad was promoted from Formula 2.

Now, in the newly acquired series by Liberty Media, the entire grid could be flipped on its head.

Currently, only a few riders have deals signed for the upcoming campaign. For young stars like Fermin Aldeguer or Diogo Moreira, that could still mean switches between the manufacturers' teams.

Every star could become available

Defending world champion Marc Marquez is reportedly set to sign a two-year deal with Ducati. At Aprilia Racing's presentation, CEO Massimo Rivola also said that Pedro Acosta and Ducati is a "match made in heaven."

A rider of Acosta’s calibre should be aiming for a factory seat. That would potentially mean two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia leaving the Ducati factory team, and for seasons, a promotion for Aldeguer would also be closed on paper.

During the 2025 season, there was already a contract dispute between 2024 world champion Jorge Martin and Aprilia as well. Therefore, should they decide not to continue beyond 2026 and part ways, a seat could also open up at the Italian team. After the strong finish to the season, Aprilia also made it clear its goal is to extend Marco Bezzecchi.

Should Yamaha have another difficult campaign, 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo could also consider bringing his talents elsewhere.

This could also leave some factory teams with multiple seats open, who are looking to fill those gaps with other talented riders for their project.

Moreover, it is generally believed that the new bikes, younger riders would have to chance to adapt quicker. That could open the door for talents in Moto2, such as Manuel Gonzalez, David Alonso or Daniel Holgado.

If teams end up opting for something new, this could be one of the most exciting silly seasons ever in the series.