Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea confirms retirement from full-time racing at the end of the 2025 WorldSBK season, marking the conclusion of an illustrious career that has spanned nearly two decades.
The Northern Irish rider, recognized as the most successful rider in the history of the championship, shared this news emotionally with fans through a video message on social media.
Rea’s decision to step away from racing full-time comes after a period of reflection and recognition that his performance was no longer aligned with his deeply ingrained desire to compete at the highest level and race to win.
Jonathan Rea’s career journey to WorldSBK stardom
Rea’s career began with Ten Kate Honda in 2008, leading to a successful five-year stint with Honda before moving to Kawasaki in 2015 where his historic six consecutive world championships took off.
Over 18 seasons, Rea has participated in a staggering 459 WorldSBK races, more than any other rider to date. Out of these, he scored points in 403 races, showcasing remarkable consistency and competitiveness.
His podium finishes total 264 which accounts for over 57% of his races and represents more than a quarter of the entire WorldSBK race history.
One of Rea’s most extraordinary achievements is his record 119 race wins – the only rider in WorldSBK history to surpass the century mark. He secured 15 of these victories with Honda early in his career, then remarkably elevated his performance after joining Kawasaki in 2015, where he claimed 104 race wins.
Alongside winning races, he also dominated qualifying sessions by securing 44 pole positions, just behind Tom Sykes’ record of 51, further illustrating his pace and skill in setting competitive race conditions.
Rea’s career was decorated with numerous honors beyond race statistics, notably receiving an MBE in 2017 for his services to motorcycle racing and finishing as runner-up in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award that same year.
Rea switched to Yamaha for the 2024 season, however, the move proved challenging. He struggled to replicate previous successes, hindered by difficulties adapting to the new bike and only managed to secure a single podium at Donington Park.
The final season has been a period of mixed emotions for Rea. After battling injuries that put him at a disadvantage earlier in the year, the 38-year old continued to show flashes of his former dominance but ultimately knew his time to retire was near.
Rumors of a potential last ride with Barni Spark Racing on a Ducati for 2026 WorldSBK circulated but did not materialize into a contract, further paving the way for his planned exit.
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“I’ve been thinking of this day for a long time, and finally I’ve decided to step away from full-time racing and retire,” Jonathan Rea confirms retirement with a statement posted on Instagram.
“This sport has been everything to me. From growing up as a child in Northern Ireland dreaming of racing bikes to standing on the top step of the World Superbike Championship, winning races and world championships.
“Throughout my career, I’ve only ever had one goal and that was to win, and that mentality defined who I was. I never raced to make up the numbers, I raced to be the best.
“But the time has come to listen to my body, my mind and most importantly, my instinct. If I can’t race to win, then it’s time to step away. I have the same love for the sport I had on day one right now in this present day.
“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved during my lengthy career. Six World Championships, more than 100 race wins, and so many other accolades along the way. These are some records that I never imaged could be possible.
“It’s not the records, the trophies or the race wins. It’s the people and the memories I take with me forever. I’ve had the honour of working with some incredible teams, sponsors and engineers during my career.
“You’ve all been part of this journey and I’m incredibly grateful that you let me live my dream. To my family, mum and dad, brother and sisters, thank you so much for all your sacrifice during the early days of my career.
“Whilst I’m stepping away from full-time racing, this isn’t goodbye. I’ll always be part of this sport, just in a different way.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. It’s been one hell of a ride. I’ll see you in the paddock.”
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