Marc Marquez’s anticipated move to the factory team has not only reshaped his career but also forced a big change in his sponsorship deals. In order to comply with Ducati’s contractual obligations, Marquez had to part ways with his long-time personal sponsor, Red Bull, as the team is partnered with Monster Energy, a direct competitor of Red Bull.

Loyalty vs. Opportunity

Marquez, who is known for his loyalty, expressed gratitude to Red Bull in a heartfelt statement on Servus TV, an Austrian television channel owned by the brand. “Out of respect for Red Bull, I won’t have a personal sponsor. I want to thank the Red Bull family and hope we continue to be friends,” said Marquez. Despite his departure from Red Bull’s sponsorship, Marquez still values the relationship and hopes for future collaboration.

During the Ducati team presentation last Monday, Marquez officially revealed the Monster logo on his racing suit, with the energy drink’s iconic claw also displayed on the Desmosedici GP25. This year, Monster Energy’s branding has gained even more visibility, with additional placement on the bike’s forks.

Ducati’s Strict Sponsorship Structure

Ducati’s contractual framework mandates that all factory riders display Monster Energy branding on their bikes, overalls, and caps during Grand Prix events and all other related promotional activities. Monster even approached Marquez with a personal sponsorship deal similar to the one signed by Francesco Bagnaia. However, out of respect for Red Bull, Marquez turned it down, keeping the door open for a future reunion with Red Bull.

Despite Red Bull’s strong ties with Marquez, the company’s response to his Ducati move came too late. According to Autosport, Ducati had been anticipating a proposal from Red Bull once Marquez’s switch was confirmed. However, by the time Red Bull made its move in the summer, Monster had already solidified its partnership with Ducati by extending its agreement and increasing its financial investment.

The Limited Space for Personal Sponsors

While Marquez cannot have Red Bull branding, he has found alternative ways to feature some of his personal sponsors. His helmet remains a prime advertising space, where Estrella Galicia’s non-alcoholic beer is displayed. Meanwhile, Lenovo, Ducati’s main sponsor, is positioned at the front and jaw area of the helmet. His helmet also includes other brands like Insta360 and Parmacotto.

Marquez’s Expanding Personal Brand

Even though he is limited in on-track sponsor visibility, Marquez still has a strong portfolio of personal sponsors. Off the track, he remains associated with brands like Audi and La Roche-Posay. Additionally, a big announcement is expected soon, with a new powerful Spanish personal sponsor set to join his list.