2015 Supercars Champion Mark Winterbottom has confirmed that the 2024 Supercars season will be his last as a full-time driver in the sport.
The 43-year-old shared the news in an emotional video posted on his YouTube page this morning.
“I’m here today to announce today, that after 21 years in the drivers seat, I won’t be driving full-time in 2025,” he said.
“It feels surreal to say these words. It’s a real mix of emotions, and it doesn’t make it easy when you still have that fire in your belly and that red mist in your eyes.
“Things don’t always go your way in life though, but life is about looking forward, and that’s what I plan to do.
“I really love this sport called Supercars, and what a journey its been. It quickly became much more than a job for me; it became my life.
“For the talent coming through, it is everything you dream of, and more. Driving a Supercar is a privilege.”
Throughout his decorated career, in addition to his 2015 Supercars title Winterbottom also won the 2013 Bathurst 1000 with Steven Richards, and the Sandown 500 twice, first in 2006 with Jason Bright, and then again in 2015 with Steve Owen.
In 641 race starts across 285 events, Winterbottom qualified on pole 36 times and the front row 87 times. He has won 39 races and stood on the podium 120 times times. He was also the 2003 Super2 Champion and won the 2012 Barry Sheene Medal.
“It blew me away to hear thousands of people chanting Frosty in celebrations at the podium, a moment I will never forget,” he said of his Bathurst win. “I have always felt that winning The Championship was the ultimate as it tested you over an entire season. These two achievements will always hold a special place in my heart forever.”
Beyond the statistics, Frosty’s impact on the sport extends far beyond the racetrack. His engaging personality and dedication to his supporters have made him a beloved figure in the motorsport community.
“When your kids meet their idols, you hope they live up to the hype and expectations. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to hold a profile in this sport and I’ve taken my responsibility as a role model seriously and loved every moment.
“While it feels bittersweet, I look forward to the next adventure, but for now let’s enjoy these final two rounds and celebrate my full time career.”
Team 18 had previously announced that Winterbottom would be replaced by Anton De Pasquale for the 2025 season, which seemed to catch the 2015 champion by surprise.
“To my supporters, the last 24 hours has been a whirlwind, as I was told that Team 18 signed a different driver for 2025,” he wrote on social media following the announcement of De Pasquale’s signing.
“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.”
Frosty will be in action this weekend at the Gold Coast 500 before wrapping up his career at the Adelaide 500 on November 13-17.
It is unclear if a co-driver position is on the table for Winterbottom.
