“I’D RATHER SEE A 7-YEAR-OLD KIDS RACE A BIKE” Tardozzi is frustrated with Bagnaia’s current form at Ducati. The Italian rider’s future is gradually becoming uncertain as Ducati’s management is secretly carrying out a secret mission.

Ducati’s top MotoGP rider, Pecco Bagnaia, is having a trying time. The 2025 season has not lived up to expectations, and words from Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi indicate growing frustration with Bagnaia’s current form. As the Italian’s future becomes more uncertain, fans and pundits are starting to question Ducati’s next steps — with rumors that the team’s management is secretly considering a backup plan.

Slumping form

Bagnaia was once Ducati’s big hope after winning world titles and multiple stage wins. But since the start of the 2025 season, he has struggled. Mechanical problems, a bike that doesn’t suit his riding style, and competition from other riders — all have left Bagnaia struggling to get up to speed and express himself.

Tardozzi has spoken publicly about Ducati being “tired of hearing the same complaints” from Bagnaia, feeling that explanations are no longer enough to cover up the situation. He has also insisted that Bagnaia must take greater responsibility for improving his performance. Not only that, but Luigi Dall’Igna — Ducati’s technical director — has also been revealed in internal meetings, saying that the team owes Bagnaia something for his work — but that debt is likely being considered if results don’t improve.

The “7-year-old bike racing” idea

The statement “I’d rather watch a 7-year-old bike racing” is not a compliment — it’s a harsh criticism. It implies that Bagnaia is so underrated that watching kids bike is more enjoyable than watching him now. Of course, this could be an exaggerated expression of deep frustration from Ducati insiders, from the board all the way down to Tardozzi.

Secret plot?

While there has been no official confirmation that Ducati wants to fire Bagnaia mid-season or refuse to renew his contract, there are potentially worrying signs. The board seems to be reassessing Bagnaia’s place in the team, especially if his form continues to stagnate. It’s possible that Ducati is considering a number of options: finding a replacement, pushing Bagnaia into second place, or at least adjusting his responsibilities and expectations. This could be the “secret deal” that people are speculating about.

Tardozzi, in a recent interview, stressed that the only weakness Ducati sees in Bagnaia’s poor run of results is that his attitude needs to be right, and Bagnaia needs to help the team help him. This suggests that not only riding performance but also pressure tolerance, initiative and competitive spirit are being taken seriously.

A future in the fog

If Bagnaia fails to find his form, Ducati may be forced to make difficult decisions. Choosing a new rider, a new inspiration or even reviewing the internal development structure could all be steps in the “secret operation”. It all depends on many factors: the results in the remaining races, Bagnaia’s reaction to criticism, the effectiveness of the technical team in responding to complaints about the bike, and how Bagnaia presents himself in difficult situations.

Conclusion

Pecco Bagnaia’s current form has turned him from hero to suspect, at least in Ducati’s eyes. Tardozzi’s words are a warning: if he doesn’t change, Ducati will have to consider other options. The line “I’d rather watch a 7-year-old race a bike” may not be just a complaint; it could signal a major turning point in Bagnaia’s career — if he doesn’t find his feet soon.