Oscar Piastri has extended his contract at McLaren until the end of 2026 F1 season.
Piastri joined McLaren from Alpine last Autumn in a controversial move after the latter team had named him as Fernando Alonso’s replacement, only for Piastri to deny that he was replacing the Spaniard which led to a legal dispute involving both teams.
The 2021 F2 champion has since adapted well to life in F1 after spending 2022 as Alpine’s Reserve Driver, and currently sits 11th in the drivers’ standings with 42 points, albeit just three points off a top-ten finish in his rookie campaign with seven races left in the season.
His highest finish came in the Belgian Sprint as he finished second despite having led for five laps during an enforced pit window for intermediates, following a wet tyre start under the Safety Car due to wet track conditions.
Having initially been contracted until the end of 2024, Piastri is “thrilled” to sign a two-year contract extension, and is excited about the team’s progress this season.
“I want to be fighting it out at the front of the grid with this team and I am excited by the vision and foundations that are already being laid to get us there.”
Piastri went on to praise McLaren for their support despite the controversy surrounding his move to the team, as he continued: “The welcome that I have received and the relationships that I have built make this feel like home already.
“The team’s consistent commitment in me has made me feel incredibly valued and the desire from the team for me to be part of its long-term future made this an easy decision. To be wanted like that and for the team to show so much belief in me after just half a season, means a lot.”
The 22 year-old Australian also iterated that he is happy to settle down with McLaren for three more seasons, as he explained: “Stability is a huge advantage in this early part of my career and to have that with a brand as prestigious as McLaren gives me the opportunity to continue the work that we’ve started.
“We’ve enjoyed some good moments together in my rookie season, but I’m excited to work together with everyone at MTC over the coming years to create some great moments.”
McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella added that he feels “fantastic” that Piastri has committed his future to the team, as he described the Melbourne-born driver as “an asset to McLaren and constantly impresses with his performance, work ethic and attitude,” on and off track.
Stella also described Piastri as a “pivotal” member of the team alongside teammate, Lando Norris and believes that the Australian’s contract extension is a “vote of confidence” in the team to fight for titles again.
McLaren CEO, Zak Brown like Stella is “delighted” that Piastri is staying for two further seasons beyond his current contract, as he called Piastri “an incredible talent and an asset to the team” in his contributions to the car’s development.
Brown also applauded the highest-placed rookie on the grid for his role in McLaren’s progress this season, as he added: “Oscar is already proving what he can do out on track and has been instrumental in the turnaround we’ve had so far this season.
“He’s fit into the team brilliantly and is really valued by the whole McLaren Racing family. I’m excited to see how he continues to grow both on and off track.”
Piastri will continue to partner Norris until the end of the 2025 F1 season when the Brit’s current contract is set to expire.
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