Why Yamaha couldn’t get rid of the Australian star in the 2026 chaos

In the ever-unpredictable world of MotoGP, where talent, timing, and team dynamics often collide, the future of Jack Miller hangs in the balance. Yamaha, amid a high-stakes reshuffle of its rider lineup, is inching closer to a major signing that may drastically reshape the grid: the long-anticipated MotoGP debut of Toprak Razgatlioglu. And while Miller’s contract may expire in 2025, dismissing him now would be a significant misstep for both Yamaha and the sport at large.

Toprak Razgatlioglu’s Arrival: The Catalyst for Change

Rumors have intensified since the Aragon Grand Prix that Turkish superstar Toprak Razgatlioglu will finally make his move to MotoGP in 2026. While the deal is not yet official, insiders suggest it could be confirmed at Mugello during the Italian GP weekend (June 20-22). His signing creates a complex puzzle: Yamaha’s already crowded lineup must make space for another top-tier talent.

With Razgatlioglu likely to join Pramac Racing, a satellite team expected to switch to Yamaha machinery due to his Red Bull sponsorship clashing with Monster Energy’s branding on the factory team, there’s only one name that is guaranteed to stay: Fabio Quartararo. The 2021 MotoGP world champion remains Yamaha’s central figure, having delivered standout performances this year despite the YZR-M1’s ongoing development struggles.

The Logjam: Miller, Oliveira, Rins — Who Gets the Chop?

Outside of Quartararo, Yamaha is currently fielding or considering three highly capable, yet vulnerable riders: Jack Miller, Miguel Oliveira, and Alex Rins. Each has their merits. Each has their flaws. One must go.

Let’s break it down:

• Jack Miller: An experienced campaigner with podium pedigree, Miller has found a resurgence in form and determination. He’s also a native English speaker in a sport that desperately needs marketable figures for a global audience.

• Miguel Oliveira: Exceptionally talented, Oliveira has shown flashes of brilliance but remains injury-prone and has yet to make a mark on Yamaha machinery.

• Alex Rins: Known for his smooth riding style and intelligence, Rins has multiple wins to his name but has struggled to bounce back from a catastrophic leg injury sustained in 2023.

Despite his contract running only until the end of 2025, Miller’s case for retention is stronger than it seems — not only for what he offers on the track but also for the vital role he could play off it.

Why Miller Deserves to Stay

1. A Proven Racer on the Rebound

Yes, Miller’s 2023 campaign was underwhelming. His factory KTM stint ended with the rise of Pedro Acosta, pushing him out of Tech3 contention as well. But in 2025, Miller has made a compelling case for himself. Amid instability, he’s been putting up solid results, showing fight, and adding value to any team willing to bet on him.

At 30, he’s no longer a developing prospect but rather a battle-hardened veteran with wins on both Ducati and KTM machinery. His experience across brands and bike styles makes him uniquely positioned to adapt quickly — a critical asset with the 2027 MotoGP regulation overhaul on the horizon.

2. The 2027 Reset: Miller’s Timing Is Perfect

MotoGP’s 2027 rules reset is expected to level the playing field. New engine specifications, chassis regulations, and possibly weight distribution rules will change the dynamics of every factory team. In this scenario, having a rider like Miller, who has weathered multiple technical transitions, becomes invaluable.

Yamaha has struggled in recent years to match Ducati’s pace. They’re not just fighting to return to the front — they’re attempting to reinvent their motorcycle. Miller’s adaptability and clear communication style make him an ideal development rider as Yamaha recalibrates for the next era.

3. Marketing Gold for Liberty Media’s MotoGP Vision

Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP promises a revitalized focus on global marketing, social media visibility, and storytelling — areas where Miller shines. His personality is a throwback to the gritty, raw charm of earlier MotoGP eras, yet he’s also accessible, funny, and engaging.

As English-speaking stars become rarer in the paddock, Miller holds a key to unlocking mainstream markets like Australia, the UK, and the United States. With the right push, he could become a face of Liberty Media’s new MotoGP project.

Who Should Yamaha Cut Instead?

If one must go, Miguel Oliveira makes the most sense. While the Portuguese rider is undoubtedly talented and has a massive following at home, his fragility has become a liability. Inconsistent performances and frequent injuries have limited his ceiling, and his inexperience on Yamaha bikes puts him at a developmental disadvantage.

Alex Rins, despite his current struggles, might warrant another season based on his prior achievements and potential upside — but it’s a tight call.

Still, neither has the complete package Miller offers: recent form, experience, technical versatility, and marketability.

A Tough Call, But One That Must Be Right

MotoGP is entering a new phase — one driven by technology and amplified by entertainment. Yamaha’s rider decision is more than just lap times and trophies; it’s about who can lead, develop, and connect.

In Jack Miller, Yamaha has a rough-cut diamond that still gleams. He’s been counted out before and bounced back stronger each time. Cutting him just as he’s finding form — and as the series prepares for its most seismic technical shift in years — would be a miscalculation.

Final Thoughts

Yamaha must choose wisely in this game of MotoGP musical chairs. In a landscape where talent is abundant but well-rounded riders are few, Jack Miller is not the weak link. He’s a bridge to the future — competitive now, and potentially crucial in 2027’s brave new world. Letting him go would be a mistake Yamaha may regret, especially as it seeks to reassert itself among MotoGP’s elite.