Where eliminated Finals Drivers tripped up, and how they can win 2026 title
While the headlines will be centred on the four drivers going to Adelaide to fight for a title, there are several tales of woe that have heavily influenced the Finals battle.
Broc Feeney, Chaz Mostert, Will Brown, and Kai Allen all have their own tales to tell of how they made the final four, but the six who didn't make it also have their own stories to tell, some ending in just a split-second.
Finishing in the top 10 is no mean feat in a championship that is arguably the most competitive it has ever been, however there will undoubtedly be missed opportunities rued and lessons learned for the future.
Here’s what went wrong, and here's what needs to improve next season for the six stars who came up short of Adelaide.
Matt Payne
Results: 10th, 4th, 6th, 22nd
What went wrong
A controversial clash with Cam Waters ended Matt Payne's title chances in the final race at Sandown. Had that collision not occurred, Payne would've comfortably qualified, holding a 10-position safety buffer at the time of the incident.
How can he win in 2026?
There isn't a whole lot Payne did wrong in 2025, often being title favourite Broc Feeney's closest competitor all season long. Milestone victories at home in New Zealand and at Bathurst ensure that this season remains a true breakout campaign, and as he gets more experience, the few remaining rough edges will smooth out.
Cam Waters
Results: 4th, 5th, 12th, 21st
What went wrong
Both Tickford and Waters could never rediscover the speed that saw them obliterate the field in the opening round at Sydney. Whilst they quietly worked their way into a solid position after the Gold Coast, a Sandown slump put them on the back foot which they could never recover from, despite Waters' best intentions.
How can he win in 2026?
Tickford have to re-establish themselves as consistent frontrunners in 2026. Whilst the Finals Series perhaps places less of an emphasis on consistency throughout an entire calendar year, any off weekends in the post-season get punished. Tickford need to ensure they give Waters the tools to fight with at the right time of year.
Thomas Randle
Results: 9th, 7th, 16th, 13th
What went wrong
As the majority of his title rivals lifted when the stakes were raised, Randle wasn't quite able to do the same. Thats not to say there weren't glimpses, a front row start on the Gold Coast hinted at a potential turning point, however a tough Sandown weekend came at a critical moment.
How can he win in 2026?
That lingering question looks set to to carry on into another season, can Thomas Randle win his first Supercars race? With a new wave of talent sweeping through the field, and the overall competition as tight as it ever has been, that is something much easier said than done. If that first win comes, it will be a huge weight lifted.
Anton De Pasquale
Results: 8th, 16th, 8th, 2nd (post-elimination)
What went wrong
Post-race penalties in each of the two races on the Gold Coast ultimately put paid to what was a quietly impressive start to De Pasquale's life at Team 18. Had he not bumped into James Courtney in the Sunday race, he would be a Grand Final contender based on his Sandown performances.
How can he win in 2026?
It feels like there is a real momentum starting to build at Team 18, especially on the #18 side of the garage. With GM entrusting them as their homologation team in 2026 and beyond, that momentum could continue to build. If Anton gets that elusive first win at Team 18, maybe the floodgates will open.
Brodie Kostecki
Results: DNS, 11th, 5th, 5th (post-elimination)
What went wrong
His massive Saturday qualifying crash on the Gold Coast ended Kostecki's Finals campaign before it had a chance to really begin in earnest.
How can he win in 2026?
Having just signed a huge contract extension through to 2030 with DJR, it's clear that the 2023 champion can see the potential in the Shell V-Power Racing Team. There's no doubt that Kostecki will continue to leave his mark on the team the longer the partnership wears on, and you can never keep a champion Kostecki's calibre down for long.
Ryan Wood
Results: 20th, 9th, 3rd, 23rd (post-elimination)
What went wrong
Repeated mechanical failures have cruelled what has been an otherwise outstanding sophomore season for the Kiwi. Unreliability has cost Wood at least one more win this year, and what was a likely Semi Final berth.
How can he win in 2026?
Continuing to play the team game amid Chaz Mostert's title bid will undoubtedly do Wood's place within WAU no harm going into 2026. The Kiwi is already a popular member of the team, having risen through the organisation's Foundation Academy. Reliability needs to improve in 2026, with potential teething troubles for the new Toyota Supra kept to a minimum.
