Francesco Bagnaia admitted to surrendering his lead to Marc Márquez in the 2024 San Marino MotoGP race after the effects of his painkillers wore off. The reigning MotoGP champion, who has been battling injuries, bravely fought to stay at the front but ultimately had to concede as his physical condition deteriorated mid-race.

Bagnaia had shown resilience throughout the weekend, pushing through the pain to remain competitive. However, as the race progressed, the intense physical demands began to overwhelm him once the pain relief subsided. This allowed Márquez to capitalize on the situation and overtake Bagnaia, securing victory.

In his post-race comments, Bagnaia expressed frustration at not being able to maintain his pace but acknowledged the toll his injuries took on him. Despite the setback, his performance was still praised, with many applauding his courage and determination to compete under such difficult circumstances.

The incident underscored the physical intensity of MotoGP, where even the smallest drop in physical condition can make the difference between victory and defeat. Bagnaia’s efforts, despite the pain, only solidified his reputation as a fierce competitor.