The fearless mindset that defines Marc Márquez’s career

Marc Márquez explains why taking risks and crashing are essential parts of his racing mindset.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team attends the pre-event press conference ahead of the MotoGP PT Grand Prix of Thailand at Chang International Circuit on February 27, 2025, in Buriram, Thailand. Photo by Steve Wobser/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Marc Márquez has built his reputation as one of the most daring and impactful riders in MotoGP history. Known for his aggressive riding style, the Spaniard often pushes the limits, frequently finding himself on the edge—and sometimes beyond it. His high-risk approach has led to multiple victories but also numerous crashes, making him one of the most extreme competitors in the sport.

Despite the dangers associated with his approach, Márquez has never hesitated to take risks. In an interview with Adam Child for The Telegraph, the eight-time world champion explained why risk-taking is an essential part of his racing DNA.

Márquez: “Taking full risk is part of my job”

Márquez is no stranger to crashing, having endured some of the most dramatic falls in MotoGP history. However, he remains undeterred, viewing these incidents as part of the sport rather than setbacks.

"On the bike, I take full risk every time because that is my job," Márquez said. "When you are crashing, sliding down the racetrack, you are only thinking about getting to the spare bike in the pits."

His relentless determination to push the boundaries has defined his career. From his debut in the premier class in 2013 to his dominant championship runs, Márquez has always been willing to go beyond conventional limits to secure victories.

The unpredictability of crashing in MotoGP

For Márquez, crashes are not always predictable. While some falls are a direct consequence of mistakes, others remain inexplicable even to him. Yet, he refuses to let this uncertainty affect his confidence or willingness to push hard.

"Sometimes you understand the crash, sometimes no," he admitted. "But we are not scared about crashing."

This fearlessness is what sets Márquez apart from many of his rivals. While some riders adopt a more calculated approach, the Spaniard thrives on instinct and split-second decisions, often making impossible saves and recovering from near-disasters.

Understanding crashes and bouncing back instantly

One of Márquez’s key strengths is his ability to analyze crashes and immediately return to full speed. Unlike some riders who take time to rebuild confidence after a fall, he sees each incident as a learning opportunity.

"If you understand the crash—you braked too late, for example, and you know why you crashed—you can push again straight away," he explained.

This ability to reset and attack again is crucial in MotoGP, where lap times are decided by mere tenths of a second. Márquez’s resilience and quick adaptation allow him to remain competitive even after multiple crashes in a single race weekend.

The balance between risk and reward

Márquez’s aggressive style has delivered unparalleled success, including six MotoGP titles with Honda. However, it has also resulted in injuries that have sidelined him for significant periods. His 2020 crash at Jerez, which led to a long recovery and multiple surgeries, was a turning point in his career.

Yet, even after enduring the most challenging years of his career, Márquez remains committed to his risk-taking philosophy. As he embarks on his first season with Ducati in 2025, his approach remains unchanged—pushing limits, taking risks, and striving for victory at all costs.

What this means for the 2025 MotoGP season

With Márquez now riding a competitive Ducati for the first time, his ability to take risks could once again make him a title contender. His aggressive riding style, combined with Ducati’s dominant machinery, could lead to thrilling battles against rivals like Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín.

As the season unfolds, one thing is certain—Márquez will continue to push the limits of MotoGP, embracing risk as an integral part of his pursuit of success. Whether this results in more victories or spectacular crashes remains to be seen, but his fearless approach ensures he will always be at the center of the action.