Marc Marquez believes his younger brother Alex does not receive the full credit he deserves for his outstanding performances in the 2025 MotoGP season, largely because of the weight the Marquez name carries. Riding for Gresini Racing, Alex has delivered an impressive breakthrough on last year’s Ducati GP24, winning two grands prix and securing seven other podium finishes so far this year.
Alex Marquez’s Strong Form Puts Him Near the Top of the Standings
Alex’s consistent finishes have placed him firmly in second place in the rider standings, nearly 100 points ahead of Francesco Bagnaia, a two-time champion riding for factory Ducati, who currently sits third. Despite Alex’s success, he has often been overshadowed by his elder brother, Marc, who had already secured six MotoGP titles by the time Alex entered the premier class in 2020.
Challenges and Recovery Shaped Alex’s Recent Performance
After a promising rookie season with HRC, Alex faced a difficult spell with LCR Honda before finding renewed success upon joining Gresini Racing in 2023, culminating in multiple podium finishes. Alex suffered a setback in June when he fractured his left hand in a collision with KTM rider Pedro Acosta during the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen. Although he did not miss any races, his results dipped, with three race weekends without a podium finish. His return to winning form was marked by a victory at the Catalan Grand Prix earlier this month, from which he has maintained strong performances.
Marc Marquez Reflects on Alex’s Underrated Season
Marc expressed his belief that Alex’s accomplishments are undervalued.
I am convinced that if Alex Marquez had a different surname, his season would be valued much more highly,
he said, underscoring the challenges Alex faces carrying the Marquez legacy.
He’s always had this handicap. Many people see it as a help, and I always say: it’s a burden to have a brother who, yes, this season I’m doing even better than I expected, but he’s having a flawless year.
Regarding the impact of Alex’s injury, Marc added:
After the injury to his hand, things got a little twisted, with penalties and other things, but apart from those three or four races, he has had a season worthy of winning a world championship.
Sibling Rivalry Fuels Competitive Spirit Amid Championship Battle
Marc Marquez, on the cusp of securing his seventh premier class title—potentially tying with Valentino Rossi for the most championships won—faces his greatest championship challenge this year from Alex. Other contenders, including Bagnaia, have had mixed results, while Alex’s performances on the Gresini Ducati have stood out as a highlight of the season.
Marc praised his brother’s dedication and resilience, saying,
Alex is capable of anything, he’s proven that in the past,
before emphasizing the importance of hard work alongside talent:
He may not have the extra talent that other riders have, but he works much harder than those other riders, and I’m not naming names, eh? But it’s like everything else, talent, if you don’t work hard… and vice versa.
He continued,
He is capable of anything. He has been Moto3 and Moto2 champion, and now he is second in a championship in which he is only surpassed by a factory bike that is also having an almost unbeatable season.
What Alex’s Rise Means for MotoGP and the Marquez Legacy
Alex’s progression from lower classes to consistently challenging for top results in MotoGP underscores his growth as a rider in his own right. While his brother Marc remains the dominant force in the championship, Alex’s breakthrough season on a non-factory Ducati highlights his potential to secure a world title. Recognizing Alex’s efforts without the shadow of his surname could shift perspectives across the sport.
As the 2025 season continues, Alex’s pursuit of the championship is a story of perseverance and talent overcoming expectation, adding an intriguing family dynamic to one of MotoGP’s most compelling rivalries.
