Marc Marquez has praised his young protégé Maximo Quiles following the teenager’s maiden Moto3 victory at Mugello — but stressed the importance of not putting unnecessary pressure on the 17-year-old talent.
Quiles’ rise through the ranks has followed a path eerily similar to Marquez’s own early career. The Moto3 win in Italy comes after his first pole at Le Mans and his first podium at Silverstone — three key milestones that mirror Marquez’s own breakthrough moments over a decade ago.
“It’s numbers,” said Marquez, who claimed a symbolic 93rd grand prix win of his own at Mugello in MotoGP. “Fifteen years ago I got my first victory here, and now my 93rd — and Maximo’s path looks similar. First pole in France, first podium in England, now first win in Italy. Sometimes it feels like someone is managing those numbers from above.”
Despite the comparisons, the eight-time world champion was quick to caution against burdening Quiles with expectations based on parallels to his own legendary career.
“Don’t put pressure on young talent,” Marquez said in the post-race press conference. “He’ll have his own journey. What matters is that he’s supported and given time to grow.”
Quiles is part of the Marquez-backed Vertical Group management team, and both Marc and his brother Alex are actively involved in guiding his career. But Marquez emphasized that success at this stage should come with freedom to make mistakes and mature naturally.
“This kid has something special,” he said. “But he also needs to enjoy the moment, learn from his errors, and stay grounded — especially with all the noise from social media.”
“He has a good mentality and energy. He’s surrounded by people who care — his family, us, and the Vertical Group. We’re a team behind him. But most importantly, his feet must stay on the ground.”
With such mentorship and level-headed guidance, Quiles is set to continue his impressive rise — at his own pace.
