Oscar Piastri has extended Mclaren deal till 2026
Oscar Piastri Extends McLaren Partnership, Set for a Bright Future
Australian racing driver Oscar Piastri has inked a multi-year contract extension with McLaren, committing to a long-term partnership with the Formula 1 team. Initially committed until the end of 2024, Piastri's strong debut season performance has convinced McLaren to extend his contract by at least two additional years.
Piastri expressed his excitement about the extension, stating, “I am thrilled to be extending my partnership with McLaren for many years. 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 20-year-old driver, who made the switch from an Alpine reserve role to McLaren, showcased exceptional skills and determination during his debut season, earning praise and securing a spot on the team for a more extended period.
Acknowledging the team's belief in him, Piastri mentioned, "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."
McLaren's Team Principal, Andrea Stella, applauded Piastri's contribution, describing him as a crucial asset to 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."
Stella further emphasized Piastri's pivotal role within the team and the confidence they have in his abilities, stating, "He has already proved pivotal to the team, so it’s brilliant to have his vote of confidence as we push to win championships again in the future. I look forward to seeing him develop with us as we continue this journey together."
While Piastri has yet to secure a podium finish in a Grand Prix, his impressive performance during the sprint race in Belgium this year, where he finished second, has underscored his potential and the promise of greater achievements in the seasons to come.
With Piastri's contract extension, McLaren's current driver lineup is now firmly secured for the foreseeable future, aligning their vision for the team's success and growth in the competitive world of Formula 1.