Richie Stanaway and PremiAir Racing Part Ways Immediately

In a surprise move that has shaken up the Supercars paddock, PremiAir Racing has announced the immediate departure of driver Richie Stanaway, ending their partnership two rounds before the close of the 2025 championship season.

Stanaway’s exit marks the conclusion of a short but eventful stint with the Queensland-based squad. Joining PremiAir at the start of the 2025 season, the New Zealander arrived with high expectations following a strong comeback year in 2024. However, the relationship struggled to deliver the results both sides had hoped for. Across 28 races, Stanaway achieved only four top-ten finishes and suffered multiple retirements, leaving him 22nd in the championship standings after eleven rounds.

Credit: Supercars.com

PremiAir Racing confirmed the decision shortly after the Gold Coast 500, explaining that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways earlier than planned. The team had already announced its 2026 driver lineup, with Jayden Ojeda and Declan Fraser set to take over as full-time drivers next season.

In its statement, the team noted that Stanaway’s departure “comes after discussions following the Gold Coast event” and emphasised that the move was made to “ensure continuity and maintain focus on preparations for 2026.” The team will appoint a replacement driver for the final two rounds, allowing its engineering group to continue development work with the future line-up in mind.

For Stanaway, the exit draws a line under another challenging chapter in a career marked by highs and lows. A former GP2 race winner and Bathurst 1000 champion, he returned to full-time Supercars competition after several years away from the grid. Despite flashes of speed, consistency proved elusive amid an increasingly competitive field.

Stanaway thanked the team for the opportunity and expressed interest in pursuing an endurance co-drive for the 2026 season. While he has not confirmed his next move, many in the paddock believe his experience and race craft will keep him on the radar of top-tier teams for future endurance events.

For PremiAir Racing, the change marks a clear shift toward long-term stability. The team’s focus is now on building a strong foundation around Ojeda and Fraser as it seeks to climb the midfield and become a consistent threat in the years ahead.

Stanaway’s early exit serves as another reminder of the relentless pace of Supercars racing—where talent alone isn’t always enough, and timing, teamwork, and adaptability can define careers.