Marco Bezzecchi
Jack Miller is facing a huge uphill battle in 2026 as Yamaha struggle with the development of the V4, but his mindset is what the team needs this season, says Neil Hodgson.
The Australian has been pivotal for Yamaha behind the scenes, hence why he kept his Pramac seat for the 2026 season. Miller has been working hard with the V4 engine to get it prepared for the new year, but it has encountered numerous problems.
Pre-season testing was a disaster for Yamaha, with several mechanical problems across the Sepang and Buriram tests. It has left their riders in a dark cloud.
Will Fabio Quartararo see out the 2026 season with Yamaha?
Fabio Quartararo unleashed his fury at Yamaha, showing his middle finger to his bike in Thailand as he suffered more issues with the V4. Toprak Razgatlioglu is also losing motivation as he struggles to adapt to MotoGP.
Pramac teammate Miller, however, is keeping a positive mindset about the ordeal, seeing it as a project that will take time to develop. For Hodgson, it is exactly what Yamaha need in 2026.
Neil Hodgson says Jack Miller’s positive mindset is exactly what Yamaha need in 2026
He said via Gas It Out: “There’s 44 races this year, you can’t start the season, let’s say, with the battery level already flashing red. You’ve got to start trying to be positive, and a lot of it is you’re trying to convince yourself. But you’re so right, Jack’s matured, hasn’t he?
“We’ve known Jack since he basically came into the Grand Prix paddock, the cheeky little rascal that he’s always been. So funny, so witty, a brilliant bloke to be around, literally one of the best riders I’ve met, really. Because he’s never changed.
What do you expect from Jack Miller at Pramac in 2026?
“I say he’s matured, he’s always got that lovely cheeky edge to him. But I tell you what, he’s come across well in his interviews just recently.
“Playing the game right. He wants to stay in that Grand Prix paddock, and he’s the sort of team player you need, Yamaha needs. He will continue to give 100% every time he goes out. You know he’ll give everything this weekend, so yeah, I’ve been really impressed with Jack.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jack Miller from net worth to wife
Jack Miller faces a tough year with Pramac in 2026
Hodgson does not trust Miller’s positivity, however, as he thinks he is deliberately doing it to keep his seat in 2027. His contract expires at the end of 2026, and he is keen to stay in MotoGP.
To do that, the Aussie will need to extract the maximum from the V4 and help develop it throughout the season. But at present, the bike could leave Miller and his fellow Yamaha riders stranded at the back.
Miller’s data showed him up to 50 seconds behind with his race simulation in Buriram. He could be languishing at the rear at the Thailand Grand Prix this weekend, and by some considerable distance.
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