In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the MotoGP community, the head of Ducati, one of the most iconic names in motorcycle racing, has publicly criticized reigning world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia and his wife, Domizia Castagnini. The outspoken remarks, delivered during a recent press conference, have sparked heated debates among fans, pundits, and insiders, raising questions about team dynamics, rider performance, and the role of personal relationships in the high-stakes world of professional racing.
The controversy erupted when Ducati’s top executive, whose name has been withheld from some reports due to the sensitivity of the situation, expressed frustration with Bagnaia’s recent performances on the track. The Italian rider, who clinched the MotoGP world championship in 2022 and 2023, has faced a challenging 2025 season, marked by inconsistent results and several high-profile crashes. Despite flashes of brilliance, Bagnaia has struggled to maintain the dominant form that made him a back-to-back champion, prompting scrutiny from both the media and his own team.
The Ducati boss did not hold back, delivering a blunt assessment of Bagnaia’s recent races. “Pecco is a talented rider, no one disputes that, but his performances this season have been far below what we expect from a champion,” the executive reportedly said. “We’ve given him the best bike, the best team, and every resource imaginable, yet we’re seeing mistakes that are simply unacceptable at this level.” The remarks were pointed, with the executive highlighting specific races where Bagnaia’s errors cost the team valuable points in the championship standings. For a team like Ducati, which prides itself on precision and excellence, these missteps have evidently strained internal relationships.
What made the executive’s comments particularly explosive, however, was the unexpected mention of Bagnaia’s wife, Domizia Castagnini. According to sources, the Ducati boss took aim at Castagnini’s vocal presence on social media, where she has frequently defended her husband against criticism from fans and analysts. “She’s always opening her mouth, demanding fairness for Pecco, but let’s look at how he’s racing,” the executive allegedly stated. “If she wants to talk about fairness, she should talk about the opportunities he’s been given and how he’s failed to deliver.” These remarks have ignited a firestorm, with many accusing the executive of crossing a line by dragging a rider’s spouse into a professional critique.
Castagnini, who has been a visible supporter of Bagnaia throughout his career, has not shied away from addressing perceived injustices in the sport. Whether it’s challenging race penalties or defending Bagnaia’s reputation, her social media posts have often garnered attention for their passionate tone. While some fans admire her loyalty, others have criticized her for wading into controversies that they believe should remain between the rider and the team. The Ducati boss’s comments seem to reflect this latter sentiment, suggesting a growing tension between the team’s leadership and Bagnaia’s inner circle.
The fallout from these remarks has been swift. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with reactions from fans, with opinions sharply divided. Some supporters of Bagnaia argue that the criticism is unfair, pointing to the intense pressure he faces as Ducati’s star rider and the unpredictable nature of MotoGP racing. Others, however, agree with the executive, arguing that Bagnaia’s errors this season have been too costly for a team aiming to dominate the championship. The mention of Castagnini has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of family members in professional sports, with some questioning whether her public comments have inadvertently added pressure to Bagnaia’s already demanding role.
Within the Ducati camp, the situation is reportedly delicate. Insiders suggest that the executive’s outburst may reflect deeper frustrations within the team, particularly as they face stiff competition from rival manufacturers like Yamaha and Aprilia. Bagnaia, for his part, has remained tight-lipped, focusing on upcoming races rather than engaging with the controversy. However, sources close to the rider indicate that he is deeply disappointed by the public nature of the criticism, particularly the mention of his wife.
As the MotoGP season progresses, all eyes will be on Bagnaia to see how he responds on the track. For Ducati, the challenge is clear: restore harmony within the team while maintaining their competitive edge. The executive’s comments, while controversial, underscore the high expectations placed on Bagnaia and the intense scrutiny that comes with being a champion. Whether this public spat will galvanize Bagnaia to rediscover his championship form or deepen the rift within Ducati remains to be seen. For now, the MotoGP world is buzzing with anticipation, waiting to see how this drama unfolds both on and off the track.
