“I Was Shocked” – Miguel Oliveira Breaks Silence on Losing His Ride and What Comes Next

The MotoGP paddock has seen its fair share of surprises in 2025, but few developments have been as emotional and unexpected as Miguel Oliveira’s departure from Pramac Racing. After just one season with the satellite Yamaha squad, the Portuguese star has been left without a confirmed seat for 2026. Speaking for the first time since the news broke, Oliveira admitted he was “shocked” by the decision, opening up about his feelings, his career, and what may lie ahead.

A Difficult End to the Pramac Chapter

When Oliveira signed with Pramac Racing Yamaha ahead of the 2025 season, expectations were high. Pramac had just undergone a historic switch from Ducati to Yamaha, becoming the Japanese manufacturer’s new satellite arm. The move offered Oliveira the chance to spearhead Yamaha’s rebuilding project while riding alongside fellow proven riders in a team with strong technical backing.

However, the transition from Ducati to Yamaha machinery proved more complicated than expected. The M1 package lagged behind the likes of Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM, and both Oliveira and teammate Franco Morbidelli struggled to consistently break into the top 10. While Oliveira managed flashes of brilliance, including a strong run in Assen and an impressive charge in Spielberg, his season was marred by retirements, crashes, and frustrating mid-field finishes.

“I gave my everything every weekend,” Oliveira explained. “When you wear the Pramac colors, you want to fight for podiums and wins. But the reality was that we didn’t have the package to do that often enough. That makes this decision even harder to accept, because I feel like I never got the full chance to show my potential on this project.”

The Shock of Losing His Ride

The announcement that Pramac would not retain Oliveira came just after the Misano test, where Yamaha’s ongoing struggles with its new V4 project once again dominated headlines. For Oliveira, the news was devastating.

“I was shocked, honestly. I didn’t see it coming at this moment,” he revealed. “I knew results were not what we all hoped for, but I believed in the project and in my role to help Yamaha return to the front. When they told me the decision, it felt like the floor was taken away from under me.”

Oliveira also admitted that the timing caught him off guard. Most rider contracts for 2026 and beyond are already settled, leaving few openings on the grid. With talented rookies pushing from Moto2 and established stars holding long-term deals, Oliveira finds himself in a precarious position.

Yamaha’s Reasoning

While Yamaha has not publicly criticized Oliveira, insiders suggest that the manufacturer wanted to restructure its approach to development. Pramac’s future could involve promoting a younger rider who can be groomed as a long-term leader alongside Fabio Quartararo, who remains the factory’s marquee name.

Yamaha’s management has insisted that the decision was strategic rather than personal, but for Oliveira, that explanation does little to ease the sting. “I feel like I had more to give, more to contribute,” he said. “One year is not enough to evaluate a rider when the project itself is in transition. But this is racing, and sometimes decisions are made that don’t feel fair.”

What Comes Next for Oliveira?

Despite the setback, Oliveira remains determined to continue in MotoGP. “I’m not ready to leave,” he stated firmly. “I know what I can do, I know I am competitive at this level. The key now is to find a project where I can contribute and still show my speed.”

At 30 years old, Oliveira is still in his prime, with five MotoGP race victories under his belt and a reputation for being one of the most adaptable riders on the grid. That adaptability could open doors with teams that value experience and technical feedback.

Potential options include:

• A return to KTM via Tech3 or the factory team, where Oliveira previously won multiple races.

• A satellite Aprilia seat, especially if the brand decides to expand its lineup further after success with the RS-GP.

• A wildcard or test rider role, possibly with Yamaha or another factory, as a way to remain on the grid while shaping future development.

“I’ve had talks already, but nothing is clear,” Oliveira admitted. “MotoGP is my life, and I’ll fight for every possibility. But I also have to be realistic. If I can’t find a full-time seat, then I’ll look for a role where I can still ride, still compete, and still stay connected to the sport I love.”

Oliveira’s Emotional Connection with Fans

Beyond results, Oliveira remains one of the most popular riders in MotoGP, particularly in his home country of Portugal. Fans have consistently rallied behind him, and his honesty in interviews has earned him admiration across the paddock. The prospect of losing Portugal’s most successful MotoGP rider has sparked widespread discussion online, with many calling for teams to give him another chance.

“Portugal deserves to have a rider in MotoGP,” Oliveira said. “Every time we race in Portimão, I feel the passion of the fans. They give me so much energy, and I don’t want that connection to end. That’s why I will fight to stay.”

A Career Defined by Resilience

Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP journey has been defined by resilience. From his early years battling on underdeveloped KTM machinery to his standout wins in wet and dry conditions, he has repeatedly proven his ability to extract results from difficult situations. His move to Pramac Yamaha was supposed to be a fresh chapter, but instead, it has become another test of his determination.

Looking back, Oliveira acknowledged the ups and downs of his career so far. “I’ve had moments of pure joy — my first win in Styria, the home win in Portimão — and I’ve had disappointments. But that’s MotoGP. It’s a rollercoaster, and the only way is to keep pushing forward.”

A Rider Who Still Believes

Despite the heartbreak of losing his ride, Oliveira insists he has no intention of giving up. “I still believe in myself. I still believe I can win in MotoGP. This situation is tough, but I’ve faced challenges before, and I always found a way through. This will be no different.”

Conclusion: Uncertain but Not Over

Miguel Oliveira’s revelation that he was “shocked” to lose his Pramac Yamaha ride highlights just how unpredictable MotoGP can be. A proven race winner, a fan favorite, and a rider with plenty of fight left, Oliveira now faces one of the biggest crossroads of his career.

While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Miguel Oliveira is not finished. Whether he secures a full-time ride, takes on a testing role, or finds another path, his passion for the sport and determination to succeed ensure that his story in MotoGP is far from over.

For Oliveira and his fans, the hope is that this setback is only the beginning of a new chapter — one that proves once again why he is one of the most resilient riders of his generation.