Oscar Piastri and McLaren F1 agree to ‘multi-year’ contract extension

McLaren’s driver duo will remain intact for the foreseeable future

Near the end of the 2023 Formula 1 season, McLaren CEO Zak Brown told me the team had the best driver pairing on the grid.

That duo is going to be together for the foreseeable future.

On Tuesday McLaren announced a new “multi-year” contract extension for Oscar Piastri, whose current contract was set to expire at the end of the 2026 F1 season. The Australian driver, who signed an extension during his rookie campaign, now gets to open the season in his home race with a new contract in hand.

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

“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,” added the driver. “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.”

Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, has a deal through the 2027 F1 season.

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

“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.”

Team Principal Andrea Stella hailed Piastri’s work ethic and development as a driver.

“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 Stella.

“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.”

Piastri, along with Norris and the rest of McLaren, begin their defense of the Constructors’ title they won a year ago this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix.