Valentino Rossi’s decision to antagonize Marc Marquez in 2015 is widely considered a significant misstep in his career. The tension between the two riders reached a boiling point during the latter part of the MotoGP season, particularly at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Rossi, feeling the pressure of the championship battle, engaged in controversial tactics aimed at Marquez, including an incident where he appeared to deliberately slow down to disrupt Marquez’s race pace.

This hostility not only escalated the rivalry but also led to a dramatic fallout. During the race, Marquez, who was battling for a position and trying to defend against Rossi’s tactics, ultimately crashed after a collision with Rossi. The fallout from this incident contributed to Rossi losing the championship to Jorge Lorenzo that year.

Many believe Rossi’s approach to Marquez was counterproductive and may have overshadowed his skills as a rider. The rivalry turned personal, affecting both riders’ careers and their relationship with fans. In retrospect, Rossi acknowledged that his actions may have been a mistake, as they tarnished his reputation and strained his relationship with Marquez, who was once seen as a potential successor to Rossi’s legacy in the sport.