Álvaro Bautista is in the final year of his contract with Aruba.it Ducati in the Superbike World Championship, and his future remains uncertain. The next three rounds will be key in determining whether he continues racing beyond 2025.
The reigning champion of 2022 and 2023 struggled last season, impacted by new minimum weight regulations. He finished behind teammate Nicolò Bulega – who was a rookie – and has also started this year trailing the Italian.
However, Bautista showed promising form in Phillip Island, particularly with a strong comeback to second place in Race 2. Now, as the championship heads to Portimão – a track where he has historically performed well – his performance there, along with the rounds in Assen and Cremona, could shape his decision.
According to GPOne.com, the Spanish rider may opt to continue into 2026 to race the next-generation Panigale V4, but retirement is also a possibility. At 40 years old and with over two decades in world championship racing, Bautista could decide it’s time to step away from competition.