Supercars driver Mark Winterbottom has been axed by Team 18 following a shock decision to replace him with Anton De Pasquale for the 2025 season.
With his contract set to expire at the end of this year, the one-time Supercars champion confirmed on Tuesday he had been let go after six years with Team 18.
Sitting 13th in the standings, the 43-year-old won two podiums this year in Melbourne and Darwin after claiming race 13 last season for the team's first victory.
He recently celebrated his 600th consecutive race start in Tasmania - something no other driver in Supercars history has achieved.
"To my supporters, the last 24 hours has been a whirlwind, as I was told that Team 18 signed a different driver for 2025," one-time Bathurst winner Winterbottom said on Instagram.
"I don't really know what the future holds, I'm still digesting the news, but I know I can hold my head high as a professional sportsman.
"I have given 110 per cent and loved working with the team crew and all the sponsors, you are great people.
"I truly value the support from my family, friends, sponsors and supporters, at a time when I need it most."
De Pasquale will reunite with former Erebus teammate David Reynolds when he joins Team 18 next season.
"It's exciting to have Anton De Pasquale join the team next year," Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt said in a statement.
"Anton's a clear standout in the next generation of drivers coming through the sport.
"He's a proven winner and has what it takes to be a future champion of the sport."
While no replacement for De Pasquale at Dick Johnson Racing has been announced, reigning Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki has been linked to the seat.
