Marc Marquez’s dominant start sparks Max Verstappen comparisons

Marc Marquez compared to Max Verstappen after Thailand MotoGP win.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team sprays Prosecco in celebration on the podium after winning the race at the MotoGP PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circuit on March 2, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Marquez’s sensational start to the 2025 MotoGP season has drawn comparisons to Max Verstappen’s dominant 2023 Formula 1 campaign. After securing victories in both the Sprint and Grand Prix races in Thailand, Marquez is now seen as the strongest contender for the MotoGP World Championship.

Alex Criville, the 1999 500cc World Champion, likened Marquez’s control over the Thailand MotoGP weekend to Verstappen’s iron grip on F1 in 2023, when the Dutch driver won 19 of 22 Grands Prix.

Criville: “Marquez is the clear title favorite”

Speaking to Radio Marca, Criville highlighted Marquez’s strategic approach in Thailand, where the Ducati Lenovo rider led the opening six laps before deliberately dropping to second to increase his front tire pressure for legality reasons. He then reclaimed the lead in the final stages, securing victory with a 1.5-second gap.

"The favorite [for the title] is clearly Marc Marquez," Criville said, as reported by Spanish outlet Relevo.

"I see Marc very happy because he sees his brother progressing a lot and fighting for podiums. He is very close to him.

"And from there, Bagnaia will have to wake up if he wants to fight for the world title because, clearly, Marc is much superior this season and in great shape.

"I would say it reminds me a bit of Max Verstappen in Formula 1—he went out, made it look easy, and dominated. It looks like this could happen here as well."

Criville: “Marquez couldn’t have started better”

Criville emphasized that Marquez’s Thailand weekend was the perfect way to begin his 2025 campaign, especially with his brother, Alex Marquez, finishing second.

"You can't start better—with the Marquez brothers winning and finishing first and second in Thailand," he said.

"Now Marc is in the best shape, on the best bike, with the best team, and highly motivated.

"I think that this year, if nothing happens—there are still 21 races to go—but he has a strong chance to make us enjoy MotoGP like never before, after so many years without being in the championship fight."

Marquez sets the standard heading into Argentina

With Round 2 of the MotoGP season in Argentina approaching, Marquez has already established himself as the rider to beat. His performance in Thailand showcased not just raw speed, but also strategic thinking, making him the strongest title contender early in the season.

As the MotoGP grid prepares for the next battle, the question remains: can anyone stop Marc Marquez in 2025?