Miguel Oliveira was surprised by Yamaha's decision to retain Jack Miller rather than himself for the 2026 MotoGP season.

Ahead of the Catalan Grand Prix this weekend, it was announced that Prima Pramac Racing Yamaha would not be renewing Miguel Oliveira for 2026.

The Italian team will retain Jack Miller for a second season, and the Australian will partner World Superbike Champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Oliveira originally signed to the satellite Yamaha team ahead of the 2025 season, on a 1+1-year deal. The Portuguese rider had a performance clause to remain with the team in 2026, but did not meet the requirements to renew with the team.

However, the 30-year-old was still surprised by Yamaha's decision to retain his current teammate rather than himself.

"Before Balaton I was instructed about this decision," Oliveira told MotoGP.com.

"It came as a little bit of a surprise. In 2024, I signed up for a 1+1-year project, where we knew the first year was going to be a learning year, where we needed to suffer and finish some races fighting for not very worthy positions.

"But that is what I signed up for, and unfortunately, I suffered an injury at the beginning of the season. I then missed a lot of races, and when I came back from that, we all knew of the signing of another rider [Toprak Razgatlioglu].

"So, that also came as a surprise and added pressure, so that interrupted a phase that had more potential. But life is like this, and we will move forward."

Oliveira is now without a ride for the 2026 season, and reportedly has an option to remain in the MotoGP Championship or switch to World Superbikes.

However, the Portuguese rider remained tight-lipped when asked about his future ahead of the Catalan Grand Prix.

"The future is absolutely open for me at the moment," he stated.

"I am looking forward to it, but at the moment, there are just thoughts floating around."