Shocking Verdict from Pramac Yamaha: Will Jack Miller Stay or Be Replaced in 2026?

As the 2025 MotoGP season heats up, one rider who once again finds himself racing for more than just points is Jack Miller. The Australian veteran, now piloting a Yamaha for the satellite Pramac team, has shown flashes of brilliance—but will that be enough to secure his future in the sport?

Having joined Pramac Yamaha on a one-year deal, Miller is no stranger to riding under contract pressure. Yet, his early-season performances suggest that he still has plenty to offer the premier class. The big question looming is whether his form, experience, and development ability will be enough to lock down a seat beyond 2025.

A One-Year Deal and a Point to Prove

After being dropped by KTM at the end of the 2024 season, Jack Miller quickly found a lifeline with Pramac Racing, who were switching machinery from Ducati to Yamaha. The Australian signed on a one-year contract, effectively putting himself on trial once more.

Despite the instability, Miller hit the ground running in 2025. A P5 finish at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) served as an early reminder of his capabilities, especially considering the challenges of adapting to the developing Yamaha M1.

But in MotoGP, momentum can be fleeting, and with other riders circling, Miller’s seat is far from secure.

Pramac Yamaha’s Quiet Confidence in Miller

According to team manager Gino Borsoi, the team is pleased with their current lineup of Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, even though the pair crashed out of the French Grand Prix at Le Mans.

“Jack Miller is doing well, Miguel Oliveira has not had the opportunity to express performance, he will do it,” Borsoi told Motosprint.
“It would be incorrect to talk about the market and changes: Jack and Miguel can continue with us next year.”

These comments suggest a desire for stability, but also hint at the reality that performance will ultimately dictate decisions. The Pramac boss insists there’s no rush to open the rider market, even amid speculation linking the team to Enea Bastianini.

Still, Miller remains without a contract for 2026, and in a sport where opportunity and risk go hand in hand, that fact alone keeps the door open for potential change.

Crash in France Doesn’t Reflect the Whole Picture

While both Pramac riders failed to finish the recent Le Mans GP, that result hides the nuance behind Miller’s race. Starting from eighth on the grid, Miller made a strategic gamble, opting for wet tyres while others chose slicks—a choice that would later prove smart as rain hit the circuit.

At one point, Miller was ahead of eventual race winner Johann Zarco, showcasing his veteran instincts and ability to read a race. Unfortunately, his race ended prematurely with a crash, a reminder of how fine the margins are in MotoGP.

A Key Asset in Yamaha’s Development Project

As Pramac Racing transitions into Yamaha machinery, Miller’s vast experience is proving invaluable. Having previously raced for Honda, Ducati, and KTM, he brings a wealth of knowledge to a Yamaha M1 project in desperate need of resurgence.

“It takes time before we see the fruits blossom,” Borsoi said.
“Jack Miller had some really interesting races… The project is going in the right direction.”

With Yamaha still in rebuilding mode, particularly in the satellite setup, Miller’s feedback is crucial to shortening development timeframes and improving performance across the board.

The Bigger Picture: Yamaha’s Long-Term Vision

Pramac Yamaha may not be gunning for podiums every weekend just yet, but they understand their role in the bigger factory development effort.

“No, we are not here to see the terms of a podium result,” Borsoi explained.
“We are helping Yamaha, knowing that the short term should not even be mentioned.
I hope that in a couple of years we will have the chance to fight for the top positions.”

The sentiment underscores how Pramac sees itself as a long-term partner in Yamaha’s rebuilding journey, not just a competitive satellite outfit. That approach places an added emphasis on riders who can develop a bike as much as they can race it—a trait Jack Miller clearly possesses.

Quartararo’s Le Mans Performance Shows Yamaha Progress

While Miller crashed at Le Mans, factory Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo provided some much-needed optimism for the M1. Claiming pole position and a P4 finish in the sprint, Quartararo’s performance proved that Yamaha is closing the gap.

And Pramac’s role in this development should not be understated. Their collaboration is already beginning to yield results, which further emphasizes the value of having experienced riders like Miller who can contribute both on and off the track.

Interest from Other Riders Could Complicate Miller’s Future

As Yamaha shows signs of competitiveness, the value of Miller’s seat increases—and with that, so does interest from other riders. Reports from the Italian press suggest Pramac Yamaha is considering alternatives, including Enea Bastianini, though with a cautious approach.

“I hope so, that is, to be attractive,” Miller said when asked about the market interest.

It’s a subtle nod to the reality of the MotoGP paddock: no seat is safe, and every rider is under constant evaluation.

What Comes Next for Jack Miller?

So where does that leave Jack Miller?

On one hand, his experience, adaptability, and early-season pace make him a valuable asset for Pramac Yamaha and their ongoing development mission. On the other, MotoGP is a results-driven business, and the calendar is relentless.

If Miller can continue delivering top-six finishes, contribute meaningfully to bike development, and perhaps land a podium or two by the end of the season, he would make a strong case for contract renewal.

However, the competition for 2026 seats will be fierce, especially as younger riders, factory-backed talents, and established stars like Bastianini look to reposition themselves in a shifting rider market.

Conclusion: Miller Still Has Something to Prove

At 30 years old, Jack Miller is no longer the up-and-coming wildcard, but neither is he a rider on his way out. His move to Pramac Yamaha has given him one more shot to prove that he belongs in MotoGP’s ever-evolving landscape.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Australian. His past results, tactical savvy, and mechanical feedback give him the tools to succeed—but in a sport as ruthless as MotoGP, even those assets don’t guarantee a future.

For now, Miller rides with the weight of uncertainty, but also with the freedom of opportunity—a combination that could bring out the best in him, one race at a time.