In a world of MotoGP, chasing your passion means walking away from everything you have ever known, even if it means turning down millions of dollars. And that is exactly what Marc Marquez did when he left Honda to join Ducati.

Even when we know that this move has paid off. In 2025, Marquez is dominating, and after four rounds of the season, he is at the top of the standings. But behind all of this success is a story of change and courage.

A few years back, Marquez and Honda were inseparable. He won all of his six MotoGP titles with them, becoming one of the most dominant riders in the sport’s history. And he also had the biggest contract in MotoGP, reportedly worth over $100 million, and long-time support from major sponsors like Red Bull and Repsol.

But in recent years, things had changed. Honda’s bike was no longer competitive, and Marquez’s career was disrupted by injuries and crashes. And it was time for change, as he wasn’t happy there, despite the loyalty and money.

“It was a really tough call,” Marquez told Motorsport. “I had everything at Honda — my titles, my team, my friends. More than just the money, it was about leaving behind the people who helped me become who I am.”

So in his move, Marquez walked away from not only a massive contract but also the people and partnerships he had built over more than a decade. He parted ways with Honda, Red Bull, and Repsol, but before he made the decision, he sat down with them to show respect.

“They all told me the same thing,” Marquez recalled. “‘You’re here to compete. Your career is short. Make it count.’”

And before he left, he had one last dinner with the Honda team in Barcelona — not to talk about bikes, but to enjoy their last time together. “We talked about life,” he said. “It was emotional, but it gave me peace.”

In 2024, he joined Gresini Racing, which turned out to be a game-changer for him. Not only did the bike suit him — he also started to enjoy racing again.

“That season brought the smile back,” he said. “I remembered why I fell in love with this sport.”

Now in 2025, he has taken another step and moved up to the factory Ducati team, where he is already dominating. And his new teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, has been struggling to catch up.

Yet Marquez admitted that the decision to leave Honda still tugs at his heart. But for the first time in a long time, he is having fun again.

“If I kept going the way I was, I would have quit,” he said. “But I knew I still had more to give. I just needed the right bike, and the right environment.”

So while Honda has shown signs of improvement, it is clear that Marquez made the right move — not only for his career, but for his happiness.