The Kiwi’s future has been the subject of speculation since late last year when it became clear he was a key target for General Motors and its homologation squad Team 18.
It’s well-known there were behind-the-scenes moves to try and facilitate a switch as early as next year, despite Payne being contracted to Grove Racing until the end of 2027.
It is believed that a primary motivator for a GM move is opportunities overseas, with talk of potential programs in both the World Endurance Championship and NASCAR.
The matter came to a head earlier this month when Payne was offered a one-off GM-supported NASCAR appearance which was blocked by the Ford-shod Grove outfit.
Payne then publicly confirmed that he “expects” to stay with Grove Racing for next season in the lead-up to the Darwin Triple Crown.
That delays the still-expected move to Team 18 to 2028 at the earliest.
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Appearing on the latest episode of The Lucky Dogs podcast, former Grove team principal David Cauchi, who left the team at the end of last season, weighed in on the matter.
Cauchi played a critical role in Payne’s rapid development, overseeing the team that has helped him to Supercars stardom for the first three seasons of his main game career.
According to Cauchi, honouring the contract is the right thing for Payne to do before he explores opportunities outside of Grove Racing.
“I guess the question is, what does Matt want to do? Because it’s his career at the end of the day,” said Cauchi.
“He’ll have people advising him that might have their own agendas and I just hope that whatever Matt decides, it’s because that’s what Matt wants and that’s what’s right for Matt.
“And if he wants to go and race in WEC full-time, and he can get a contract and someone wants to put him in one of those cars, then at some point he can go off and do that.
“I think it’s a bit silly all this stuff that’s come out. It’s not in Matt’s character. And it’s probably more to do with people in the background on Matt’s team.
“I think it’s a real shame if he doesn’t continue [with Grove Racing] because the Groves have invested a lot in him. We took a lot of risk with him as well.
“And don’t get me wrong, Matt’s paid it back. He’s a great guy and he’s a great talent. I’d like to see him win a championship in Supercars before he goes off [overseas].
“Everyone’s got the right to [leave]. I mean I left, but I had a contract and I gave my notice and I went about it the right way.
“If [drivers] have an ambition to go and race in NASCAR or any other championship around the world, then of course you guys can go and do it.
“But I feel you should fulfil your contractual obligations that you’ve signed up for and then move on when the time is right.”
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