Marc Marquez predicted to follow Max Verstappen's 2023 F1 dominance in 2025 MotoGP season

Ducati rider Marc Marquez has been likened to four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen whilst being backed to win the 2025 MotoGP championship. 

The Spanish rider celebrated his first victory of the 2025 season in Thailand with his brother Alex, who crossed the line in second. The pair were joined on the podium by Francesco Bagnaia.

With reigning champion Jorge Martin sidelined due to last-minute surgery, Marquez has the perfect opportunity to make a strong mark on the championship standings. Whilst Martin continues to recover, Aprilia Racing has confirmed that he will sit out the next round in Argentina but they cannot commit to an official return at this stage. 

Alex Criville, who was the first Spanish rider to win the 500cc World championship in 1999, has predicted that Marquez could have a strong 2025, similar to that of Red Bull F1 driver Verstappen in 2023 when he won 19 Grands Prix. Speaking to Radio Marca, Criville explained:

“The favourite [for the title] is clearly Marc Marquez.

“I see Marc very happy because he sees his brother who has progressed a lot and is in podium position, he is very close to him.

“And from there Bagnaia will have to wake up to try to fight for that world title because clearly Marc is much superior this season, very fit.

Marc Marquez, Ducati Team

Photo by: Dorna

“I would say that it reminds me a bit of the [Max] Verstappen of Formula 1 that went out and made it easy. It looks like this could happen a little.”

The Spaniard added:

“You can't start better, with the Marquez brothers who won, finished first and second in Thailand.

“Now Marc is in the best shape, with the best bike, the best team, he's very motivated.

“I think that this year, if nothing happens, there is still a long way to go, 21 races, this has just started, but he has it very well on track to make us enjoy ourselves a lot, after so many years without having fought for the world championship.”

Marquez finished 3rd in the 2024 MotoGP championship. Since his MotoGP debut in 2013, the 32-year-old has secured six championship titles (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019), 63 wins, and 67 pole positions.

The next stage of the 2025 MotoGP season will take place next weekend in Argentina from 14-16 March.