Pramac Axe Set for Oliveira? Yamaha Opts for Experience with Miller + Razgatlıoğlu

The MotoGP 2025 season has already been full of surprises, but none may be bigger than the growing rumors around Pramac Racing and its rider lineup. According to speculation in the paddock, Miguel Oliveira, the Portuguese star who joined Pramac for Yamaha’s new satellite project, could be facing the axe as the team considers reshaping its future.

Reports suggest that Yamaha and Pramac may be leaning toward a more experienced and marketable pairing, with Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu being lined up as the future core of the satellite squad. For Oliveira, who had high hopes of rebuilding his career with Yamaha, this news could signal yet another frustrating chapter in his journey through the premier class.

Oliveira’s Rocky Start with Pramac Yamaha

When Pramac Racing switched from Ducati to Yamaha for 2025, it marked a seismic change in MotoGP. Oliveira, previously with RNF Aprilia, was chosen as one of the riders to spearhead the project alongside Franco Morbidelli. The idea was simple: Oliveira’s proven race-winning ability, combined with Yamaha’s need for feedback and leadership, could bring much-needed results to the new partnership.

But the gamble hasn’t paid off—at least not yet. Oliveira has struggled to adapt to the Yamaha M1, a bike very different from the Aprilia RS-GP and the KTM machinery he rode earlier in his career. While Oliveira’s talent is unquestionable, his performances have not met expectations. Midfield finishes and inconsistent pace have fueled whispers that Yamaha may already be considering alternatives.

In a sport where results speak louder than promises, Oliveira’s lack of podiums has put him under scrutiny. And with Yamaha desperate to regain competitiveness against Ducati and KTM, they may no longer have the patience to wait.

Why Yamaha Might Turn to Miller

The name most heavily linked with a Pramac-Yamaha switch is Jack Miller. The Australian, who currently rides with KTM but faces uncertainty about his long-term future, brings something that Yamaha desperately needs: experience, aggression, and a proven ability to deliver feedback that translates into development progress.

Miller has raced for Ducati, KTM, and Honda in the premier class, making him one of the most versatile riders in the paddock. His outgoing personality and aggressive riding style also make him a fan favorite, which Yamaha could leverage to boost the visibility of their satellite project.

Moreover, Miller’s testing ability is highly respected. Yamaha, currently working hard to close the performance gap to Ducati, knows it needs riders who can not only race but also help engineers accelerate development. Miller fits that bill perfectly.

The Appeal of Razgatlıoğlu

The second name that keeps surfacing is Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, the Turkish superstar who made his MotoGP debut in 2025 with Yamaha’s factory team. Known for his spectacular riding in World Superbike, where he became a world champion, Razgatlıoğlu has quickly built a reputation as one of the most entertaining riders in MotoGP.

Bringing Toprak into Pramac Yamaha would serve multiple purposes. First, it would allow Yamaha to maintain a strong connection between their factory and satellite teams, ensuring both projects work in harmony. Second, Toprak’s marketability, especially in Turkey and across Europe, makes him a valuable asset for sponsors and fans alike.

If Yamaha believes in building their MotoGP comeback around a mixture of experienced veterans and star personalities, then a combination of Miller and Razgatlıoğlu makes strategic sense.

What This Means for Oliveira

For Miguel Oliveira, these rumors are unsettling. Once considered a rising star with KTM, Oliveira’s career has been derailed by injuries, inconsistency, and tough machinery transitions. His move to Yamaha via Pramac was supposed to be a fresh start, but instead, he finds himself fighting just to secure his seat for 2026.

Should Yamaha opt to replace him, Oliveira could face limited options. A return to Aprilia seems unlikely given their current lineup, and Ducati already has a wealth of talent under contract. KTM has moved on from Oliveira after their previous stint, leaving him with few realistic landing spots.

Unless he delivers a dramatic turnaround in the second half of the 2025 season, Oliveira’s time with Pramac could be cut short. In the brutal world of MotoGP, even proven winners can quickly find themselves without a seat.

The Business Side of the Decision

Beyond results, there is also a business element to consider. Yamaha’s partnership with Pramac is still in its infancy, and the project needs riders who can generate headlines, attract sponsors, and grow fan interest.

Miller’s fan appeal, combined with Razgatlıoğlu’s international star power, could help Yamaha position Pramac as more than just a satellite team. Instead, they could market it as a competitive and entertaining squad with riders who bring both speed and charisma.

From a commercial standpoint, Oliveira, while talented, does not have the same global pull as Miller or Toprak. Yamaha may feel that bringing in riders who can both win races and strengthen the brand makes more sense for the long-term project.

The Pressure on Yamaha

Still, Yamaha faces its own pressure. The manufacturer has been criticized in recent years for falling behind rivals in development. Losing a rider like Oliveira could backfire if Yamaha doesn’t deliver results with his replacements.

If Miller and Razgatlıoğlu join Pramac but the bike remains uncompetitive, Yamaha risks creating the impression that they are blaming riders instead of fixing the machine. In that sense, the decision is as much about timing as it is about talent.

Could Oliveira Still Save His Seat?

All is not lost for Oliveira. MotoGP history is full of riders who turned their fortunes around with a string of strong performances. If Oliveira can adapt to the Yamaha M1 in the coming rounds and prove that he can extract its potential, Yamaha may be forced to rethink their plans.

Consistency will be key. A couple of podiums could make all the difference in convincing Pramac and Yamaha management that he deserves another season. But Oliveira will need to deliver quickly, as the rider market for 2026 is already heating up.

Fans React to the Rumors

Among fans, the possibility of Oliveira being axed has sparked mixed reactions. Many believe the Portuguese rider has been unlucky and deserves more time to adapt to the Yamaha project. Others argue that in a sport as competitive as MotoGP, teams cannot afford patience, and Yamaha needs big names to accelerate its rebuild.

The idea of a Miller + Razgatlıoğlu pairing, however, has generated excitement. Fans are intrigued by the prospect of two of the most entertaining riders in the sport joining forces in the same team. If nothing else, it would guarantee thrilling battles on the track and a lively atmosphere in the paddock.

Conclusion

The rumors surrounding Pramac Racing and Miguel Oliveira’s future highlight the ruthless nature of MotoGP. While Oliveira hoped to be the cornerstone of Yamaha’s satellite project, his struggles have opened the door for speculation about a shake-up.

With Jack Miller and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu emerging as potential replacements, Yamaha appears to be weighing experience, marketability, and development needs over long-term patience with Oliveira.

Whether this comes to pass remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next few months will be critical for Oliveira. His performances could determine not just his place in Pramac, but his entire future in MotoGP.

For Yamaha, the decision will shape their satellite strategy for years to come. And for fans, it sets the stage for one of the most intriguing rider market storylines of the season.