Yamaha reveals for the first time Jack Miller’s role in helping Quartararo play at a different level.

The 2025 MotoGP season has reached a critical juncture for Jack Miller, whose future in the premier class could hinge on the next two races. As the MotoGP paddock heads to Germany’s Sachsenring and then to the Czech Grand Prix, Miller finds himself under intense scrutiny from Yamaha’s management, who are deliberating over their 2026 rider lineup.

The big question looming over the paddock: Will Jack Miller secure a contract extension, or will his MotoGP career come to an abrupt end?

Yamaha’s Lineup Puzzle: Who Will Partner Toprak Razgatlioglu?

At the heart of Yamaha’s decision is the vacancy next to Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Turkish star who has been one of the standout riders this season. Yamaha’s satellite outfit, Pramac Racing, is set to feature Razgatlioglu next season, but his teammate remains unconfirmed.

Jack Miller is one candidate, but so is Miguel Oliveira, the Portuguese rider whose future with Yamaha looks shaky at best. Although Oliveira is under contract, his performances have fallen short of expectations. If Oliveira fails to rank inside Yamaha’s top three riders by the end of this midseason stretch, it could spell the end of his 2026 aspirations — potentially opening the door wider for Miller.’

Miguel Oliveira’s Struggles Could Benefit Miller

So far in 2025, Miguel Oliveira has failed to meet the performance benchmarks Yamaha expected. Despite occasional flashes of speed, Oliveira has not been able to consistently challenge for top positions. His place in Yamaha’s long-term plans is now under threat.

This situation plays into Jack Miller’s hands, but only if the Australian can deliver results when they matter most. A strong showing in Germany and Czechia could swing Yamaha’s decision in Miller’s favor.

On-Track Performance: Miller Holds the Edge Over Oliveira

When looking at the head-to-head statistics, Jack Miller has a clear edge over Miguel Oliveira. In races where both riders have finished, Miller has outscored his teammate by 19 points to 6, a significant margin. These numbers reflect not only Miller’s racecraft but also his ability to extract more from the Yamaha M1, even amid the bike’s ongoing development struggles.

However, Miller’s performances have been inconsistent. He has shown glimpses of the aggressive, front-running rider who has won MotoGP races in the past but has also been plagued by setup issues and tricky qualifying sessions. Now, with his career potentially on the line, Miller must find consistency in these crucial upcoming rounds.

Commercial and Development Factors Also Play a Role

Yamaha’s decision isn’t solely about lap times and championship points. Commercial considerations are an important part of the equation. Jack Miller’s marketability, particularly in Australia and Southeast Asia, is a significant asset for Yamaha as they look to expand their global footprint.

But beyond marketing, Yamaha’s management — led by Paolo Pavesio — must also consider the long-term technical and team development. They are looking for a rider who can not only deliver results but also push their lead star, Fabio Quartararo, to greater heights.

The Fabio Quartararo Factor: Why Miller Might Be the Perfect Partner

At the center of Yamaha’s long-term MotoGP vision is Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 World Champion and still one of the sport’s most talented riders. Despite Yamaha’s struggles in recent seasons, Quartararo has remained committed to the project, even as rival teams circle for his signature.

Yamaha will likely consult Quartararo before finalizing their second rider. And it seems Miller could be the teammate Quartararo needs.

According to a report from Manuel Pecino, a Yamaha insider believes that Jack Miller’s presence forces Quartararo to give more of himself, particularly in difficult situations. Unlike Oliveira, Miller has been able to step up and lead Yamaha’s efforts in select races, such as Thailand and the Americas GP, when Quartararo has struggled.

This dynamic could be crucial. While Quartararo dominates Alex Rins by a staggering 24-1 margin in competitive sessions this year, Miller has, at times, shown that he can close the gap — and in doing so, prevent Quartararo from becoming too comfortable.

Miller’s High Ceiling Could Tip the Balance

Jack Miller may not be the most consistent rider on the grid, but his peak performances remain impressive. He is still capable of podium finishes and has a proven ability to fight at the front in tricky conditions. Yamaha knows that a motivated, confident Miller has one of the highest ceilings in the paddock.

The challenge for Miller — and for Yamaha — is unlocking that potential on a regular basis. If the upcoming races reveal a focused and fast Miller, Yamaha may feel that the risk is worth the reward.

What Does Miguel Oliveira Bring to the Table?

To be fair, Miguel Oliveira brings his own strengths to the equation. The Portuguese rider is calm, calculated, and technically insightful. He has experience developing different machinery and has worked across multiple manufacturers, including KTM and Aprilia before joining Yamaha.

But his results have simply not matched Miller’s, and Oliveira has struggled to adapt his riding style to the peculiar demands of the Yamaha M1, which rewards momentum and corner speed over hard braking and aggressive acceleration.

Unless Oliveira can turn his form around immediately, his candidacy for the 2026 seat looks increasingly fragile.

Germany and Czechia: Make-or-Break for Miller?

The upcoming back-to-back races at Sachsenring and Brno (Czechia) are now absolutely critical for Miller. Both tracks could play to his strengths:

• Sachsenring: A flowing, technical circuit where the Yamaha’s cornering prowess could shine. Miller has a podium history here.

• Brno: A more balanced track with fast sweeping corners and strong elevation changes, offering another opportunity to prove the M1’s competitiveness.

Strong qualifying sessions, clever tire management, and mistake-free races will be essential if Miller is to make a compelling case for himself.

The Bigger Picture: Yamaha’s Road to Revival

Yamaha’s recent struggles have forced them to rethink their approach. After years of falling behind Ducati and KTM in terms of bike development, the manufacturer is finally taking bold steps. Signing Toprak Razgatlioglu was a sign of intent, and returning to the podium this year suggests that progress is being made.

But to fully return to the front, Yamaha needs two fast, hungry riders who can push each other. Jack Miller, for all his ups and downs, could be the right man to light that internal fire.

If Yamaha opts for safety and stability, they may lean toward Oliveira. But if they want to build a team that challenges Quartararo and pushes for wins in 2026, Miller may be the better bet.

Team Dynamics: A Balancing Act for Yamaha Leadership

The Yamaha management, including Paolo Pavesio and the race team leadership, face a delicate balancing act. They must weigh performance data, team harmony, commercial considerations, and future development needs.

• Does Yamaha play it safe with Oliveira, a rider who won’t rock the boat but may lack ultimate pace?

• Or do they bet on Miller, a rider who can light up a weekend — but who also brings unpredictability?

And most importantly, what does Fabio Quartararo want? The Frenchman is the crown jewel of Yamaha’s project, and keeping him happy may be the top priority.

What’s Next for Jack Miller If Yamaha Says No?

If Yamaha decides to go in a different direction, Miller’s options for 2026 could be limited. With most factory and competitive satellite seats spoken for, the Australian could find himself without a top-tier MotoGP ride. Retirement, a switch to World Superbike, or a wildcard role within Yamaha’s test program could be possibilities.

But knowing Miller, he’ll do everything in his power to make sure it doesn’t come to that.

Final Thoughts: High Stakes in Germany and Czechia

Jack Miller heads into Germany and Czechia facing the fight of his MotoGP career. If he delivers on track, he could extend his stay in the premier class and become an integral part of Yamaha’s resurgence. But if results don’t come, the 2025 season could mark the end of his Grand Prix journey.

With everything on the line, one thing is certain: Jack Miller won’t go down without a fight.