MotoGP: Yamaha Unveils 2026 Livery for New V4-Powered M1

Yamaha has revealed its 2026 MotoGP livery, giving the first proper look at the new V4-powered M1. The bike shown was the full factory version that will line up on the grid throughout the season. This launch matters because it confirms Yamaha’s biggest technical change in years, moving away from the inline-four engine heritage that defined the M1 for a long time. The switch to a V4 layout places Yamaha on a new path as the team looks to rebuild performance before the next regulation cycle. With testing soon already underway, the launch event marked a new beginning for Yamaha’s 2026 campaign.

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The 2026 M1 continues with Yamaha’s familiar blue base, now mixed with black and white sections across the fairing, nose and tail. The layout follows the current factory identity and will remain the same for every round of the championship. While the colours stay recognisable, the arrangement gives the bike a cleaner race look under lights and in pit lane.

Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins attended the launch and rolled out the new motorcycle on stage. Both riders stay with the factory team for 2026 and will play a key role in shaping the V4 project. Their focus now turns to structured testing as Yamaha gathers track data before the opening round of the season.

The shift to a V4 engine closes a long chapter for Yamaha in MotoGP. Development started last season, with early prototypes running during private test sessions and in few MotoGP races by Augusto Fernández. The 2026 M1 is the first version built to handle full race distances, consistent performance and weekend workloads.

Yamaha’s new engine approach brings it closer to the direction used by most teams in the premier class. Development will continue during the season as engineers study data, reliability behaviour and rider feedback. With 2026 set to be the final year of the current 1000cc rules, the new M1 V4 also plays an important role in preparing Yamaha for the major regulation change coming in 2027.