Oscar Piastri Confirms McLaren Future Ahead Of Australian Grand Prix

Australia’s best chance for a home winner at the Australian Grand Prix will head into his home race with an added boost.

Oscar Piastri will look to make a big impact in the 2025 F1 season opener in Melbourne, and he’ll do so with a new contract freshly signed and sealed.

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Piastri has signed a multi-year extension to his contract with McLaren, as he looks to build on his success with the papaya team through the next few seasons.

Widely considered as one of the most talented young racers on the grid, Piastri joined the team for the 2023 season and won the sprint race in Qatar, and claimed back-to-back Grand Prix podium finishes in Japan and Qatar en route to a ninth-place finish in the World Drivers’ Championship.

In 2024, Piastri leveled up considerably to show his ability to race at the front of the grid. He repeated his sprint success in Qatar, and claimed his first two Grand Prix victories with wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan as he finished fourth in the standings.

Now, with some tipping Piastri to mount a legitimate championship challenge of his own in 2025, he has committed his long-term future with the team, and will line up alongside Norris as one of the favorites to take victory at the season opener at Albert Park this weekend.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision,” said Piastri, via a statement on the McLaren website.

“The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we’ve gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible.

“There are so many talented and special people working at the MTC who have helped me to become a Formula 1 race winner very early in my career. Therefore, I’m very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come.

“I’m excited to fight for the big prizes as a McLaren driver and after last year’s fantastic achievements, it has made me even hungrier to stay at the sharp end.”

By committing to a long-term team with the team, Piastri joins teammate Lando Norris in a stellar driver lineup that CEO of McLaren Racing Zak Brown hopes will lead a two-pronged attack on the F1 World Drivers’ Championship, while looking to add another F1 World Constructors’ Championship to their growing list of achievements.

“It’s fantastic to confirm Oscar’s extension with McLaren,” said Brown.

“Not only is he an incredibly talented driver, but his work ethic and cultural fit within the team made it a no-brainer to extend his time in papaya.

“We’ve got the best driver line-up on the grid, and in the past two seasons, we’ve seen how much of an asset to the team Oscar is both on and off track.

“He was absolutely fundamental in adding to our legacy with the 2024 Constructors’ Championship last season, so we’re all excited to see what we can do in the years to come as we continue to fight for World Championships together.”

With both Norris and Piastri secured on long-term contracts with McLaren, the team has a solid base from which to mount a consistent challenge for world titles as they look to build on their 2024 Constructors Championship success.

“Further extending our partnership with Oscar is a symbol of our belief and trust in him as a driver, as well as a reflection of our shared ambition to continue in our fight for Championships together,” said team principal Andrea Stella.

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“It has been a pleasure working with Oscar throughout the past two seasons and he has continued to prove how impressive he is in terms of his talent, determination and work ethic as a driver and his contribution to our team and culture as a person.

“Alongside Lando, we have what we need locked in for the long term to keep pushing forward. I look forward to continuing to watch Oscar grow and develop as a driver and know that many successes lie ahead for him.”

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