Mostert explains selfless act to reward Walkinshaw crew
Chaz Mostert explains selfless act to reward Walkinshaw crew
Reigning champion admits he would have preferred to hang onto his #25
Mostert insists running the #1 is a way to celebrate his 2025 title with team
Reigning champion Chaz Mostert admits he would have preferred to hang onto his #25, but insists running the #1 is a key pillar of strength for his team.
Mostert’s #1 Mobil 1 Optus Toyota GR Supra was unveiled on Sunday, in what was a double livery reveal for Walkinshaw TWG Racing.
Confirmed last year, Mostert will run the champion’s number for his title defence, seeing his preferred #25 benched for at least one season.
For the first time since the Holden Racing Team in 2003, a team will run the #1 and the #2, the latter being the number for Ryan Wood’s Mobil 1 Truck Assist Toyota.
Speaking at last year's Supercars Gala Awards, Mostert admitted it was a "tricky" decision, given the likes of Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen continued with their preferred numbers after winning championships in recent years.
While he has to part with the #25 for at least 12 months, Mostert believes running the #1 is a just reward for his team’s efforts to deliver a drought-breaking championship to Clayton.
"I know all the champions generally run number one, but if it was up to me, I'd be probably running number 25,” said Mostert, who will carry the #25 on his race suit.
"But then the bigger decision is, we are a team and everyone at Walkinshaw TWG Racing has rich history here, back to the Holden days when it was the official. Holden team.
“Watching that team run one and two was something pretty symbolic. So the opportunity to not give the team what they want and go back to 25 for this year after winning the championship just didn't fit right.
"So, we’ve come to an agreement run number one this year. Still at heart 25, but it's so cool to see the car with number one on it.
"The guys and the girls at the workshop, they're the lucky ones that get to walk past it every day. It’ll make everyone happy back at home.”
Make no mistake, Mostert wants to win again in 2026, adding: "The goal is to try and go back to back.
"Obviously the championship is going into year two of its Finals Series, and I think we probably played it the best last year as a team. We had a goal from the get go.
"We'd love to try and win the Sprint Cup and try and win Bathurst and be greedy and win everything that’s on offer.”
The #1 Mobil 1 Optus Supra will make its competitive debut in Sydney on February 20-22. Tickets are on sale now.
