Marco Bezzecchi Addresses the Incident with Binder and Bagnaia: I Don’t Want to Express Myself, Ask the Stewards
MotoGP races are often characterized by their thrilling pace, sharp competition, and unpredictable moments, and the 2024 season has been no exception. However, some incidents stand out not just for the on-track spectacle but for the drama and controversy they create afterward. The clash involving Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, and reigning champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia during one of this season’s high-stakes races is one such moment. In the aftermath of the race, Bezzecchi, a talented rider for Mooney VR46 Racing Team, refused to give a definitive opinion about the incident, instead urging the media and fans to turn to the stewards for answers.
The incident occurred during a heated section of the race where three of the most formidable competitors in the 2024 MotoGP championship — Bezzecchi, Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) — found themselves battling for positions. As the race intensified, contact between the three riders sparked confusion, raised eyebrows, and ultimately, a cascade of questions about who was at fault.
From the outside, it was difficult to immediately assess the incident. MotoGP races are often fast and furious, and in the split-second decisions made by riders, what looks like aggressive racing to one observer may seem like a dangerous maneuver to another. However, the stakes were undeniably high — the race was critical for the championship standings, with Bezzecchi, Binder, and Bagnaia all in contention for valuable points.
After the race, Bezzecchi, known for his calm and composed demeanor off the track, was quickly approached by journalists eager to get his perspective on what had transpired. Instead of assigning blame or dissecting the event in detail, he chose to take a neutral stance. When asked to express his thoughts on the situation, he diplomatically stated, “I don’t want to express myself, ask the stewards.
This measured response sparked further intrigue. Bezzecchi’s reluctance to openly discuss the incident left fans and analysts speculating about his true feelings. Was he frustrated with how Binder and Bagnaia had handled the situation? Did he believe that the incident had been unfair to him? Or was he simply showing respect for the process, knowing that the stewards would ultimately have the final say?
Whatever his personal feelings may have been, Bezzecchi’s comment directed attention to the MotoGP stewards, the body responsible for making judgment calls on incidents during the races. His choice to defer to the officials was seen by many as a smart move, particularly given the heated nature of the championship fight. Publicly assigning blame or getting into a war of words with fellow riders could have added unnecessary fuel to the fire.
In MotoGP, the stewards play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring that races are conducted fairly. When incidents like this occur, it is their job to review the footage, analyze the data, and make a ruling. They have the authority to issue penalties if they determine that a rider has violated the rules, whether through reckless riding, causing avoidable contact, or any other infraction.
In this particular case, the stewards were tasked with deciding whether the contact between Bezzecchi, Binder, and Bagnaia was simply a racing incident — an inevitable part of close competition at the highest level — or whether one of the riders had crossed a line. Their decision would likely impact not only the race standings but potentially the championship as well.
Bezzecchi’s decision to withhold his personal opinion on the incident demonstrated his trust in the stewards to make an objective ruling. By avoiding public criticism of Binder or Bagnaia, he maintained a professional and respectful attitude, allowing the focus to remain on the officials’ verdict rather than fueling a media frenzy.
For Bezzecchi, the incident was just one chapter in what has been a rollercoaster of a season. As one of the rising stars of MotoGP, he has been in the spotlight for his impressive performances, earning podium finishes and consistently challenging for top positions. His talent, combined with the support of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Academy, has made him a fan favorite and a serious contender for future championships.
However, the pressure of competing against seasoned veterans like Bagnaia, as well as other emerging talents like Binder, has created a high-pressure environment where even the smallest mistake can have significant consequences. Bezzecchi’s calm approach to handling controversies, such as this incident, has only enhanced his reputation as a mature and composed rider, qualities that will serve him well as he continues to develop in the sport.
As the 2024 MotoGP season progresses, the competition for the championship title remains fierce. Bezzecchi, Binder, and Bagnaia are all in the mix, and every race brings new opportunities — and new risks. The incident between the three riders is a reminder of just how fine the margins are in MotoGP, where fractions of a second can determine the outcome of a race, and where the stakes are higher than ever.
Bezzecchi’s focus, however, remains forward-looking. While the incident may have raised questions, he has chosen not to dwell on it. Instead, he will continue to prepare for the upcoming races, knowing that every point counts in the battle for the title. His decision to stay silent on the specifics of the clash with Binder and Bagnaia speaks to his ability to stay calm under pressure, a trait that will no doubt serve him well as the season reaches its climax.
Marco Bezzecchi’s handling of the incident with Binder and Bagnaia reflects his growing maturity as a MotoGP competitor. By choosing not to express his personal opinion and directing inquiries to the stewards, he avoided unnecessary controversy and demonstrated his respect for the rules and the decision-making process. In a sport as competitive and emotionally charged as MotoGP, this kind of poise is essential.
As the season unfolds, Bezzecchi’s focus will remain on winning races and securing as many points as possible. With his talent, determination, and level-headed approach, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in MotoGP. Whether or not the incident with Binder and Bagnaia has any lasting impact on the championship race, Bezzecchi has made it clear that his eyes are firmly set on the bigger prize: becoming a MotoGP world champion.
