Defending Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki will miss the season-opening Bathurst 500.
Erebus Motorsport has confirmed Todd Hazelwood will stand in for the 26-year-old, who has "indicated he's not in a position to take part" in the first round of the year.
It comes after speculation this week, denied by Erebus, that Kostecki had quit the team, for whom he won six races and 10 pole positions in 2023 - both season-high hauls.
"Contrary to media reports, Brodie Kostecki remains part of the Erebus Motorsport family and is a valued member of our team," an Erebus statement read on Wednesday.
"Brodie has indicated he's not in a position to take part in the opening round of the 2024 Supercars Championship.
"Todd Hazelwood will stand in for Brodie at the Bathurst 500 from February 23-25."
Hazelwood will take on the mountain alongside new recruit and former Matt Stone Racing teammate Jack Le Brocq, who replaced Will Brown after he left for Triple Eight Racing in the off-season.
"We understand the gravity of Brodie's decision and the challenges he may be facing at this time," Supercars CEO Shane Howard said.
"On behalf of everyone at Supercars, we wish Brodie all the best, and we sincerely hope to witness his return to the Repco Supercars Championship in the future.
"Defending a championship title is never an easy task, but we are confident in Erebus's ability to adapt and continue their pursuit of success on the track."
