In a surprising admission, reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez has declared that he will no longer refer to his younger brother, Alex Marquez, as "my brother" in the context of racing rivalry for the 2026 season. Instead, he views Alex as a formidable competitor who will challenge him for the title. This shift in perspective comes after a remarkable season for both riders, with Marc clinching his seventh premier class title last year while riding for the factory Ducati team, achieving an impressive tally of 11 race wins and 14 sprint victories.
This triumph marked a significant comeback for the 32-year-old Marquez, earning him his first championship win in six years and bringing his total to nine titles, tying him with the legendary Valentino Rossi in the record books.
The Marquez siblings made history together, finishing in first and second place in the championship standings, with Alex securing three wins and finishing just 78 points shy of Marc. His strong performance on the Gresini-run GP24 bike has led to a promotion for him to a factory ride in the upcoming 2026 season, which Marc acknowledges by labeling him his primary rival.
During an event held by Estrella Galicia in November, Marc stated, "Alex will be my main rival from the beginning; he'll have a GP26. He has demonstrated his capability, but we must also consider all the other competitors and brands that are performing well. Next year, my brother Alex will definitely be my main rival from the start. This won't change how we compete. The only way to enhance our performance is to switch positions, benefiting Gresini while posing a challenge to the official Ducati team.
I won’t call him my brother anymore; I will refer to him as Alex Marquez: the runner-up in the world championship and someone who can achieve anything. He has the potential to lead any team. Personally, I would rank this season, where two brothers achieved the championship and runner-up positions, higher than my own comeback."
Notably, Marc was sidelined for the last four rounds of the 2025 season due to a complicated shoulder injury sustained in a collision with Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi during the Indonesian Grand Prix. Following the incident, he underwent surgery just a week later. Fortunately, his recovery is progressing well, and he anticipates returning to the track for the Sepang test in February.
In the world of motorsport, sibling rivalries can be both thrilling and contentious. What do you think about Marc’s decision to distance himself from the title of brother when discussing competition? Is it a strategic move or a personal choice? Share your thoughts!
