McLaren signs extension with Piastri before Formula 1 season starts

McLaren has announced the multi-year renewal of Oscar Piastri, ensuring the continuity of the 23-year-old Australian driver. The announcement comes ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Piastri’s home event, extending his stay with the British team beyond his previous agreement, which was set to expire in 2026.

Formula 1 Career

Before joining McLaren in 2023, Piastri won the Formula 3 (2020) and Formula 2 (2021) championships. In his rookie Formula 1 season, he finished ninth in the drivers’ standings, securing a podium in Japan and a sprint race victory.

During the 2024 season, Piastri claimed victories in the Hungarian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, along with podium finishes in Monaco, Austria, Belgium, Monza, Singapore, and Qatar. He completed every race lap of the 2024 season, finishing fourth in the drivers’ championship and contributing to McLaren’s first constructors’ title in 26 years.

McLaren’s Long-Term Plan

Piastri’s renewal follows the contract extensions of CEO Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella, his teammate Lando Norris, and other key members of the team.

"We confirm Oscar’s extension with McLaren. He is a talented driver, and his work ethic and adaptation to the team made this decision easy," said Zak Brown, who views the current driver lineup favorably.

Andrea Stella added: "Extending our collaboration with Oscar reflects our confidence in him as a driver and our ambition to continue competing for championships."

Upcoming Challenges

Despite his results, Piastri has yet to secure a pole position in his 46 Formula 1 starts, an area he could improve to enhance his chances in future races.

"Being part of McLaren’s long-term plans is important to me," said Piastri following his renewal. "The team trusted me when we signed in 2022, and the journey over these past two seasons has been very positive."

At 23 years old, the Australian remains focused: "I want to compete for strong results as a McLaren driver, and after what we achieved last year, I’m motivated to maintain this level of performance."