Ford pays tribute to 'stellar' Winterbottom

Ford Australia was among the well-wishers for Mark Winterbottom, who announced Thursday he will not race full-time in the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship.

Winterbottom made a major career announcement on the eve of the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, confirming he won’t be on the grid next season.

The 2013 Bathurst winner is, however, set to transition into co-driving next year, with an eye on adding a second Great Race win to his decorated resume.

Winterbottom was Ford’s leading man for a decade, winning 38 races for Ford Performance Racing between 2006 and 2016. Under its Prodrive Racing Australia guise, he won the 2015 drivers’ title.

It came after Winterbottom progressed through the ranks with the Ford Kart Stars program to Formula Ford, and a Super2 title in 2003 with Stone Brothers Racing.

The Sydney-born driver raced Falcons from his 2003 debut to his exit of Tickford Racing in 2018, before shifting to Team 18 and General Motors machinery in 2019.

Winterbottom’s heartfelt video social media posts received hundreds of messages, including one from Ford itself.

“Congratulations on a stellar full-time career Mark,” the Ford Australia official account posted.

“We are proud to have shared many great moments together. We wish you the best for what lies ahead.”

In reply to the Ford comment, Winterbottom said: “Thank you very much, that means a lot, my best achievements were undoubtedly in a Ford, memories I will treasure forever.”

Several drivers also paid respects, including reigning Supercars champion and Bathurst winner Brodie Kostecki, who wrote: "Well done Frosty on a great full-time career."

Former teammate Will Davison added: "Champion driver, ultimate professional & wonderful role model. Be very proud mate, absolutely outstanding full time career. It’s been a privilege! Simply, enjoy what’s ahead! You are a legend."

While yet to confirm his 2025 plans, Winterbottom opened up about what his 2025 will look like, saying “sometimes fairytales get written” when asked about a Ford reunion.

"It's been so emotional to let go of it, so we're trying to enjoy the moment, have fun with the last couple of rounds, and then work out what we're doing next year," Winterbottom said.

"I'll co-drive for sure, I'll be on the grid at the two big ones. I'll try and be in a team that I can win with and go to Bathurst and try and have a good crack at it."

Winterbottom has been replaced at Team 18 by Anton De Pasquale for the 2025 season.

On track action at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 begins on Friday with two 40-minute practice sessions. Tickets for the event are on sale now.