Oscar Piastri Signs New Contract Until End of 2026
Oscar Piastri will race for McLaren the next three seasons // Getty Images
McLaren Formula 1 team has taken a decisive step towards their long-term strategy by securing the talented Oscar Piastri with a contract extension that keeps him within their ranks until the end of 2026.
Upon joining McLaren in late 2022, Piastri made an immediate impact, shining during his debut at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test. The young star's prowess was further established as he clinched second place in the Sprint at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix. His trajectory in the world of racing speaks volumes; the racer boasts championship victories in the 2019 Formula Renault Cup Championship, the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship, and the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship.
McLaren’s vision of its core team is crystal clear, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri forming the heart of their race lineup until at least the end of 2025, especially after Lando’s contract extension earlier in February 2022.
Andrea Stella, Team Principal of McLaren F1, enthusiastically shared, “It’s fantastic to confirm that Oscar has signed a multi-year extension with the team. Oscar is an asset to McLaren and constantly impresses with his performance, work ethic, and attitude, so it was an easy decision for the team to make. I look forward to seeing him develop with us as we continue this journey together.”
Echoing Stella's sentiments, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, stated: “I’m delighted to be continuing our partnership with Oscar through to the end of 2026. 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 himself radiated excitement about the extended partnership, saying, “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. The team’s consistent commitment in me has made me feel incredibly valued. Ever since the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test last year, I feel a real part of all things papaya and my thanks go to everyone in and around the team as well as all the fans. 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.”
With this extension, the motorsport world can anticipate a fruitful partnership between McLaren and Piastri, promising exhilarating races and potentially championship-worthy moments in the years to come.