In a significant move for both the team and the driver, McLaren has solidified Oscar Piastri's future in Formula 1 by announcing a multi-year contract extension. This announcement comes just ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, marking an important milestone for the 23-year-old Australian driver.
The extension for Piastri follows similar agreements for important figures within McLaren, including Chief Executive Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella, as well as Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris. Norris, who finished as the overall runner-up in the previous season, signed his extension back in January 2024, further strengthening the team's core.
“We’ve got the best driver line-up on the grid, and in the past two seasons, we’ve seen how much of an asset to the team Oscar is both on and off track,” Brown stated. He emphasized Piastri’s remarkable skills, work ethic, and the synergy he shares with the team as key factors leading to this decision.
Current Season
Reflecting on the contribution Piastri made last season, which saw him winning races in Hungary and Azerbaijan, Brown added, “He was absolutely fundamental in adding to our legacy with the 2024 constructors’ championship last season.” With excitement in the air, he noted, “We’re all excited to see what we can do in the years to come as we continue to fight for world championships together.”
Career Journey
Piastri himself expressed his enthusiasm about remaining with McLaren. As the young driver is set to turn 24 next month, he is keen on continuing his journey with the team. “The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we’ve gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible,” he shared. His pride in representing the iconic team was evident as he looked forward to further accomplishments together.
Career Journey
Reflecting on his rookie season, where he won a sprint race and finished fourth overall while being the only driver to complete every racing lap in 2024, Piastri said, “There are so many talented and special people working at [the factory] who have helped me to become a Formula 1 race winner very early in my career.”
The fruitful partnership between Piastri and Norris is something both the drivers and the management view positively. Stella commented, “Alongside Lando, we have what we need locked in for the long term to keep pushing forward.” This statement underscores the long-term vision McLaren has for its driver line-up as they aim for future successes.
