F1 News, Reports and Race Results

McLaren commits to Piastri with multi-year contract extension

McLaren has doubled down on its golden boy, Oscar Piastri, locking the Australian star into a multi-year contract extension that keeps him at Team Papaya for the long haul.

The announcement electrifies a team already riding high, cementing Piastri as a cornerstone of their championship-chasing future.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2023, Piastri’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The former Formula 3 and Formula 2 champ wasted no time proving his worth, snagging a Sprint win in his rookie year and dazzling with podiums in Japan and Qatar.

His original multi-year deal, inked upon arrival, was swiftly stretched to 2026—proof of McLaren’s early faith, and has now been prolonged further.

But last year was when Piastri truly ignited. At just 23, he claimed his maiden Grand Prix wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan, and racked up eight podiums from Monaco to Qatar.

Unshakable, he completed every lap of the season, finishing fourth in the Drivers’ Championship and fueling McLaren’s triumphant Constructors’ title.

Piastri Reflects on a Bright Future

With CEO Zak Brown, Team Principal Andrea Stella, teammate Lando Norris, and key leaders also signed long-term, this extension isn’t just a contract—it’s a battle cry. McLaren’s dream team is here to stay, and more glory beckons.

”It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision,” commented PiastrI.

“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 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.”

McLaren Top Brass Confident in Piastri’s Potential

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:

“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.

“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.”

Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1, said:

“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.

“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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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