Supercars veteran Jamie Whincup says he has nothing but respect for Mark Winterbottom after making the toughest decision of his career to leave long-term home Tickford Racing.
Winterbottom stunned pit lane in Pukekohe by announcing 2018 would be his 13th and last season with the team.
It could also be a 16th and last season with Ford - which would end the longest running current driver-manufacturer association in the sport.
That separation is yet to be confirmed, with Winterbottom saying he is mulling over a number of options he hopes to confirm in coming weeks.
One appears to be replacing Lee Holdsworth with Team18, though Winterbottom is eager not to be drawn on his future.