Brodie Kostecki admits he's at a career crossroads as his bombshell contract dispute with Erebus Motorsport drags on.
The reigning Supercars champion spoke publicly on Sunday night for the first time since news broke that he wants to leave Erebus, after picking up two gongs at the Motorsport Australia Awards Gala.
Kostecki, 26, has had a dramatic falling-out with Erebus management just months after delivering a title, and could sit out the whole 2024 season.
The team have already announced he will not race the season-opening Bathurst 500 later this month, with endurance driver Todd Hazelwood to deputise for him.
After picking up the Peter Brock Medal to go with his Supercars championship, Kostecki acknowledged he found himself in an unprecedented position.
"It is no secret I have come to a crossroads with my 2023 Supercars team, and ongoing discussions mean I cannot say any more on that matter at this time," he said.
"What I can say is I have been overwhelmed by the support from some quality individuals and sponsors in the industry who have offered their unwavering support.
"I also have to say a massive thank you to the thousands of fans, from both sides of the fence, who have sent me personal messages of support, checked on my wellbeing, or just given me another 'thumbs up' on my title and wished me all the best.
"I am unsure what the immediate future holds … I am in generally good health and I have a long-term commitment to Australian motorsport and have a burning desire to stand up here again more than once as a multiple Supercars champion.''
Kostecki alluded to a number of the team's sponsors - including Coca-Cola, Shaw and Partners and Southern Cross Truck Rentals - withdrawing their support in the wake of his looming exit.
