Marco Bezzecchi
Jack Miller is one of the most popular riders on the MotoGP grid. But it seemed last year that his career in the series may be coming to an end.
Miller, who made his debut in 2015 on a Honda motorcycle, is a four-time winner in the premier class. He’s also scored 23 podiums, finishing in the top three at least once in five straight seasons between 2019 and 2023.
As that streak came to an end in 2024, Miller’s career was in danger. He only scored 87 points for KTM, 130 fewer than teammate Brad Binder, and he was also outshone by rookie Pedro Acosta.
As Acosta earned an inevitable promotion from Tech3, KTM decided to let Miller go rather than drop him to their satellite squad. With Augusto Fernandez also shown the door, they brought in the star-studded duo of Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini instead.
While Fernandez has had to settle for a test rider role at Yamaha, Miller survived by grabbing the final seat at Pramac. The Italian team favoured his experience, turning down the chance to sign a rookie instead.
Suzi Perry was told not to ask Jack Miller about potential MotoGP exit last year
Speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix, Suzi Perry reflected on an ’emotional’ period for Miller in 2024 when he thought his time was up in MotoGP. He was contemplating a switch to World Superbikes.
When she interviewed him in August, she was asked not to bring up his potential exit. But he poured out his feelings on the microphone.
While he’s failed to finish the last two races, Miller started well at Pramac. He was fourth on the grid for his debut in Thailand and finished an excellent P5 in the Americas.
Perry reflected: “I was asked not to ask him about it, so I didn’t, and he just came out and told us all about it. He got very emotional. We got emotional because we love Jack. Suddenly, here he is, looking rejuvenated.”
Her colleague Sylain Guintoli said Pramac took a chance by bringing the Australian back. He raced for them between 2018 and 2020 when they still aligned with Ducati.
“Bouncing back as well,” Guintoli said. “He was in a position where he was getting outpaced by his teammate Brad Binder. He’s already on his third manufacturer in the championship.
“The deal came at the right time for him, and when it came, it was easy to think, ‘Why? What has he done this year to deserve this?’
“But it’s worked out. And the relationship with Pramac [is important] as well – he had a great one in the Ducati days. It’s really nice to see. He’s not only a great rider, but also a great character for the championship.”
Jack Miller shares whether he plans four-wheel career once he leaves MotoGP
It’s worth noting that Miller has only signed a one-year deal at Pramac. If he keeps up the kind of form he showed in Buriram and Austin, an extension looks likely.
But equally, Pramac have been linked with Toprak Razgatlioglu, even if Honda are the favourites. Miguel Oliveira has missed the last three weekends through injury, but his contract runs until the end of 2026.
Miller is one of four riders on the current grid in their 30s. Hoping to eventually go out on his own terms, he discussed potential retirement plans in a recent interview.
Asked about a potential four-wheel pivot in the same vein as Valentino Rossi, Miller said he was open to racing touring cars. But he has no firm plans at this stage.
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