Jack Miller Reminds Yamaha: Don’t Forget My Value When Deciding the Pramac Seat for 2026

With MotoGP’s silly season heating up ahead of the 2026 campaign, Jack Miller has emerged as a critical figure in Yamaha’s planning. Despite a turbulent 2025 season, the experienced Australian rider is reminding Yamaha—and the entire paddock—not to underestimate his value when it comes to finalizing the Pramac Yamaha lineup for 2026. As Yamaha prepares for a new chapter with Toprak Razgatlioglu, Miller is making it clear: he’s not done yet.

Toprak’s Arrival Puts Pressure on Pramac’s Lineup

The announcement that Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning World Superbike (WSBK) king, will join Pramac Yamaha in 2026 sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock. Toprak has long been rumored to be making the leap to MotoGP, and his technical skill, fierce riding style, and championship pedigree made him a highly sought-after name.

But the consequence of that blockbuster signing is the displacement of at least one current Pramac rider—and Jack Miller knows the target could be on his back.

Currently, the team includes both Miller and Miguel Oliveira, but both riders are on shaky ground. Oliveira has a two-year contract running through 2026, while Miller’s deal expires at the end of 2025. However, Oliveira’s contract reportedly includes performance clauses—and his dismal start to 2025 means his seat is far from safe.

Miguel Oliveira Failing to Meet Expectations

When Yamaha signed Miguel Oliveira from RNF Aprilia, it was seen as a big gamble. Oliveira, a multiple-time MotoGP race winner, had potential, but his inconsistency and injury setbacks raised questions.

In 2025, those concerns have been validated. Oliveira has scored just three points in nine races, and his struggles have raised red flags within the Yamaha camp. With a performance-based exit clause reportedly built into his contract, Yamaha has the flexibility to move him out early—especially if they see a more valuable asset in Jack Miller.

According to insiders, if the decision had to be made today, Yamaha would keep Miller over Oliveira.

Miller’s Technical Value Behind the Scenes

While Miller hasn’t been blowing away the field either—currently 19th in the championship standings with 31 points—his contributions off the bike might be his strongest argument for retention.

After an underwhelming stint at KTM that saw him lose his factory ride, many thought Miller’s days in MotoGP were numbered. But Pramac Yamaha gave him a second chance in 2025, and he’s made the most of it—not through podiums, but through progress.

Miller has been instrumental in the development of the new YZR-M1, particularly as Yamaha transitions to a V4 engine configuration to compete with the likes of Ducati and KTM. He’s brought a wealth of experience and no-nonsense feedback that engineers value deeply.

In his recent interview with Speedweek, Miller pointedly reminded Yamaha of his influence:

“My plan is to stay with Yamaha. I like the project and believe I can give even more here. That’s our priority, and that’s where we’re focusing our energy right now.”

He went further, calling the current version of the bike a “hot commodity” that he helped shape when both he and Yamaha were at a low point.

From Career Uncertainty to Development Leader

Few would have predicted Miller would become Yamaha’s technical cornerstone. His exit from KTM was unceremonious, and his 2024 season did little to inspire confidence. Yet, since arriving at Yamaha, he’s become a leader in development, building bridges between the garage and the engineers.

His mechanical sympathy, aggressive feedback style, and ability to adapt between inline and V4 engines make him an asset Yamaha can’t afford to lose—especially as Toprak enters MotoGP.

Why Miller’s Experience Matters for Toprak

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s switch to MotoGP is exciting but risky. The Turkish star has dominated WSBK, but MotoGP is a different beast—with more advanced electronics, more sensitive tires, and more competitive riders.

In this environment, the presence of a seasoned teammate is crucial. Miller, with experience at Honda, Ducati, KTM, and now Yamaha, brings insights Toprak can learn from. His feedback could be the key to helping Toprak adjust quickly—especially with a brand-new V4 Yamaha to understand.

By pairing Toprak with Miller, Yamaha can balance youth and experience, raw speed and technical grounding. It’s a symbiotic match that could elevate both riders.

The Clock Is Ticking: Pramac’s 2026 Announcement Looms

Yamaha and Pramac are expected to announce their 2026 lineup before the summer break. With Toprak already confirmed, the focus is now on choosing his teammate. According to team boss Gino Borsoi, Manu Gonzalez was considered, but he’s been ruled out as “not yet ready” for the MotoGP leap.

This effectively narrows the decision down to Miller vs. Oliveira—and at the moment, Miller is the favorite.

Still, the dynamic nature of MotoGP means nothing is locked in. A couple of strong results from Oliveira, or a sudden injury, could swing the pendulum the other way. But Yamaha knows Miller is the more stable, dependable choice.

Miller’s Alternative: A WSBK Lifeline with Honda

If things don’t work out at Yamaha, Jack Miller won’t be left in the cold. Honda has reportedly offered him a lucrative contract to join WSBK, possibly replacing the retiring Iker Lecuona.

Financially, it’s a strong offer—but Miller has made it clear he’s not ready to leave MotoGP just yet. For him, staying with Pramac Yamaha is more than just about the paycheck. It’s about finishing what he started.

He believes in the project and wants to see Yamaha back at the top, with himself at the center of that resurgence.

Why Yamaha Must Choose Wisely

This isn’t just a simple contract renewal—this is about Yamaha building a championship-caliber team for the new era. After years of stagnation and technical inferiority, Yamaha’s investment into the V4 project signals a serious commitment to returning to the front.

With Razgatlioglu arriving, they need a reliable development partner—not just a teammate. And that’s where Miller shines. He may not grab headlines like Pecco Bagnaia or Jorge Martin, but his mechanical insights, racecraft, and adaptability are invaluable.

Yamaha must decide whether they value long-term potential or proven developmental stability. The answer could shape their future.

A Veteran’s Message to Yamaha: Don’t Forget Loyalty

Miller has never been the political rider. He’s straightforward, honest, and unafraid to call it like it is. But in this case, he’s playing his cards diplomatically—reminding Yamaha not with ultimatums, but with facts.

He’s developed the bike.
He’s improved team morale.
He’s embraced the underdog role.
He wants to stay.

In a sport where loyalty is rare, Miller’s stance should resonate within Yamaha HQ.

What Comes Next for Miller and Yamaha?

The upcoming rounds before the MotoGP summer break will be critical. Miller needs to translate his development work into on-track results, both to silence critics and to make the contract renewal a no-brainer.

For Yamaha, the time to make a decision is rapidly approaching. Waiting too long could risk losing Miller to Honda or another WSBK suitor—a move that could stall their development momentum.

With Toprak Razgatlioglu bringing talent and spotlight, Yamaha would be wise to balance that with Jack Miller’s grit, wisdom, and stability.

Final Thoughts: Is Jack Miller Still the Right Man for Yamaha?

In today’s fast-changing MotoGP landscape, where young riders rise and fall quickly, Jack Miller’s longevity and versatility stand out. He may not be a world champion, but he’s the kind of rider who builds champions—through mentorship, testing, and hard-earned racecraft.

As Yamaha prepares for its V4-powered future, it must remember who helped dig them out of their lowest point.

Miller’s reminder is loud and clear:
“Don’t forget my value. I helped make this bike a hot commodity.”

For Yamaha and Pramac, the choice is clear—if they value progress over promises, Jack Miller should stay.