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Bagnaia Faces Pressure to Hire Sports Psychologist

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 18:39 GMT by Crash
      Locales: ITALY, SPAIN, AUSTRIA, UNITED KINGDOM

Sepang, Malaysia - February 6th, 2026 - Reigning MotoGP World Champion Pecco Bagnaia is facing increasing scrutiny regarding his late-race performance, with growing calls for him to incorporate a sports psychologist into his support team. The pressure comes following a 2025 season where, despite ultimately securing the title, Bagnaia repeatedly relinquished promising leads in the closing laps of crucial races, nearly costing him the championship.

These concerns aren't new, echoing sentiments expressed by the late, great Nicky Hayden back in 2026. Hayden, a MotoGP legend himself and known for his calm demeanor under pressure, observed that Bagnaia possessed the talent and machinery to dominate, but lacked a critical element in those final, decisive moments. "Pecco is a great rider, he has the talent and the bike, but he lacks something in the last few laps. Perhaps a sports psychologist could help him manage the pressure," Hayden stated in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport before his untimely passing.

The 2025 season saw several instances where Bagnaia appeared to falter when under pressure. Notably, races in Malaysia and Qatar witnessed Bagnaia leading comfortably, only to see Pramac Ducati's Jorge Martin capitalize on seemingly uncharacteristic errors, snatching victory from the Ducati factory rider. These weren't isolated incidents; a pattern of diminished performance as races neared their conclusion began to emerge, fueling speculation about a mental block.

Ducati's general manager, Gigi Dall'Igna, has acknowledged the need for Bagnaia to refine his consistency, but has thus far resisted the suggestion of bringing in a dedicated mental performance coach. "Pecco is a champion and he knows what he needs to do," Dall'Igna recently stated. "He has the talent to be even better." While seemingly supportive, this approach suggests a belief that Bagnaia can self-correct, or that the issues are primarily technical, requiring adjustments to the Desmosedici GP26 rather than internal adjustments.

However, the growing chorus of voices - including those of seasoned MotoGP observers and analysts - suggests that dismissing the mental aspect is a mistake. Racing at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing isn't solely about physical prowess and machine performance. The speeds are immense, the risks are high, and the margin for error is razor-thin. The pressure to perform, maintain focus for extended periods, and make split-second decisions under intense scrutiny is immense.

Modern MotoGP is also demonstrably more competitive than ever before. The performance gap between the top riders and the midfield is shrinking, meaning Bagnaia is facing increasingly fierce competition. This heightened level of competition ratchets up the pressure and magnifies any mental vulnerabilities.

Sports psychologists specializing in motorsport can equip riders with coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, maintain concentration, and build mental resilience. Techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring can help riders overcome negative thought patterns and perform optimally under pressure. They can also assist in developing pre-race routines designed to foster a calm and focused mindset.

Several other high-profile athletes across various disciplines have publicly championed the benefits of sports psychology. From Formula 1 drivers to tennis players, and even golfers, integrating mental performance coaching has become increasingly common and is viewed as a crucial component of a holistic training regime.

The question now isn't if Bagnaia needs help with his mental game, but when Ducati will fully embrace the potential benefits of a dedicated sports psychologist. While Dall'Igna's faith in Bagnaia's self-awareness is admirable, ignoring a potentially crucial area for improvement could prove costly in the increasingly competitive world of MotoGP. The 2026 season is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle, and Bagnaia's ability to maintain composure and consistency in the face of pressure may ultimately determine whether he can retain his title and solidify his legacy as one of the sport's greatest riders.