Tickford Racing has dropped a bombshell on the eve of the Supercars round at Pukekohe, announcing Mark Winterbottom will leave the team at the end of the season.

Winterbottom, known universally as Frosty, will end his 13-year association with the team that has helped him to the pinnacle of the sport, including the 2015 championship and the 2013 Bathurst 1000.

“With a Bathurst win, a season championship and over 100 podiums together, few team and driver combinations have been as successful as this one,” a Tickford Racing statement read.

“Whilst we are sad to see the partnership conclude at season’s end, we will all look back fondly on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together.”

Winterbottom, 37, has yet to reveal his plans in the sport for 2019 and onwards.

He was linked to Charlie Schwerkolt Racing last month, which has yet to lock in Leigh Holdsworth for next year.