Oscar Piastri Commits Long-Term Future to McLaren with Multi-Year Contract Extension
In a significant development, Australian Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has pledged his long-term future to McLaren, signing a multi-year contract extension with the British team beyond 2026. This announcement comes as a major boost to McLaren’s ambitions, as they look to build on their recent success and challenge for more championships in the future.
Piastri’s journey to McLaren was not without its challenges. He was initially signed by Alpine’s driver academy in 2020, with the intention of promoting him to F1. However, a lengthy legal battle ensued, ultimately resulting in Piastri joining McLaren in 2023.
During his first season with the team, Piastri extended his initial contract to the end of 2026. Now, he has agreed to terms on a new multi-year deal, cementing his place as a key driver for McLaren in the years to come.
At just 23 years old, Piastri is considered one of the brightest young talents in racing. He has already made a significant impact, winning his first F1 race at the Hungarian Grand Prix last July and repeating the feat two months later at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Piastri’s commitment to McLaren is a testament to the team’s vision and ambition. “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision,” Piastri said in a statement. “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.”
Piastri’s praise for McLaren is not limited to the team’s on-track performance. He also highlighted the talented and dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes. “There are so many talented and special people working at MTC who have helped me to become a Formula 1 race winner very early in my career,” he said. “Therefore, I’m very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come.”
With Piastri’s long-term future secured, McLaren can now focus on building a strong team around him. His teammate, Lando Norris, also committed his future to the team at the start of 2024, signing a multi-year deal beyond 2026.
McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, was thrilled to confirm Piastri’s extension. “It’s fantastic to confirm Oscar’s extension with McLaren,” Brown said. “We’ve got the best driver lineup 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’s sentiments were echoed by team principal Andrea Stella, who praised Piastri’s talent, determination, and work ethic. “Further extending our partnership with Oscar is a symbol of our belief and trust in him as a driver, as well as a reflection of our shared ambition to continue in our fight for championships together,” Stella said.
As McLaren enters the 2025 season as the favorite to retain its constructor’s title, Piastri and Norris will be looking to push the team forward and challenge for the drivers’ championship. With their long-term futures secured, the duo can now focus on achieving success on the track.
The new F1 season gets underway at Piastri’s home race in Melbourne on Sunday, and all eyes will be on the young Australian as he looks to build on his impressive start to his McLaren career. With his talent, determination, and McLaren’s strong team behind him, Piastri is poised to achieve great things in the world of F1.
