Australian Driver Commits Long-Term Future to McLaren with Multiyear Contract Extension Beyond 2026
Formula One champions McLaren have secured Oscar Piastri for the long term by announcing a multiyear contract extension ahead of the 23-year-old driver’s home Australian Grand Prix. The news, released on Wednesday, follows similar extensions for McLaren’s chief executive Zak Brown, team principal Andrea Stella, Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris, and other senior staff.
Norris, who finished as the overall runner-up last season to Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen, signed his extension in January 2024. Piastri, who made his F1 debut with the British-based team in 2023, already had a contract running until the end of 2026. The terms of his new extension beyond 2026 were not disclosed.
Last season, Piastri secured race wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan as McLaren claimed their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. Brown praised Piastri’s talent, work ethic, and cultural fit within the team, calling the decision to extend his contract a “no-brainer.”
“We’ve got the best driver line-up on the grid,” Brown said in a statement. “In the past two seasons, we’ve seen how much of an asset Oscar is to the team, both on and off the track. He was absolutely fundamental in adding to our legacy with the 2024 Constructors’ Championship last season. We’re all excited to see what we can achieve in the years to come as we continue to fight for World Championships together.”
First practice for Sunday’s season opener at Albert Park is set for Friday. Piastri, who turns 24 next month and hopes to contend for the title this year, expressed his pride in being part of McLaren’s long-term future.
“The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we’ve been on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible,” Piastri said. “There are so many talented and special people working at the factory who have helped me become a Formula One race winner very early in my career. I’m very proud to continue representing this legendary team for many years to come.”
Caption for image: Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes during the first day of F1 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 26, 2025 in Bahrain [Clive Mason/Getty Images]
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