Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and Max Anstie have parted ways, effective immediately, midway into the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship.

Anstie, 33, has officially split with the factory Yamaha 250 program in favor of contesting the upcoming World Supercross Championship, which will commence in Canada this August.

“I’m proud of everything that I achieved with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing,” Anstie explained. “It was a dream of mine to ride for the team. We shared a lot of success and I’d like to thank them for all the hard work and great memories over the last two years. I’m excited for my next chapter and what the future holds.”

A brief statement from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing – which Anstie had joined during the later stages of the 2024 Pro Motocross season – confirmed the decision on Thursday:

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing wishes Max Anstie the best in his future endeavors as he and the team have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing the British rider to commit to WSX.⁠
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⁠”Max wanted to race WSX, so we came to the mutual decision to part ways, allowing him to pursue that and leave on good terms,” Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 team manager Wil Hahn commented. “We’d like to thank Max for his dedication and efforts and wish him the best in his future.”

Anstie is a two-time SX2 world champion after clinching the title in 2023 and again in 2025. He finished third in the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross 250SX West standings, with a single victory achieved at Anaheim 1.