Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren. 14.09.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 16, Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, Preparation Day.
McLaren has confirmed that Oscar Piastri has signed a long-term contract extension with the team until the end of 2026.
Piastri is embarking upon his rookie campaign in Formula 1 this season, having been the subject of an intense legal battle between Alpine and McLaren last year.
The Australian has impressed hugely in his debut campaign, providing strong support for Lando Norris as McLaren strives to continue hauling itself up the pecking order.
Despite a challenging opening to the year for the team following the admission it had missed key development targets with its MCL60 car, Piastri managed to score his first F1 points at his home round in Australia.
McLaren’s resurgence began with a series of upgrades from Austria onwards, propelling the side into front-running contention.
Piastri was denied his maiden F1 podium by an ill-timed Safety Car in Silverstone but converted second place on the grid during Sprint Saturday at the Belgian Grand Prix.
He has now been rewarded with a new long-term deal, which will tie him to the Woking squad for the following three seasons.
With Norris upholding a contract for the next two years, McLaren will retain its current driver pairing until at least the end of 2025.
“I am thrilled to be extending my partnership with McLaren for many years,” Piastri expressed.
“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 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. To be wanted like that and for the team to show so much belief in me after just half a season, means a lot.
“Ever since the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test last year, I feel a real part of all things papaya and my thanks go to everyone in and around the team as well as all the fans.
“Stability is a huge advantage in this early part of my career and to have that with a brand as prestigious as McLaren gives me the opportunity to continue the work that we’ve started.
“We’ve enjoyed some good moments together in my rookie season, but I’m excited to work together with everyone at MTC over the coming years to create some great moments.”
Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren MCL60. 02.09.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 15, Italian Grand Prix, Monza, Italy, Qualifying Day.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella labelled it an “easy decision for the team to make.”
“It’s fantastic to confirm that Oscar has signed a multi-year extension with the team,” the Italian said. “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, McLaren CEO Zak Brown added: “I’m delighted to be continuing our partnership with Oscar through to the end of 2026. He’s an incredible talent and an asset to the team so it’s fantastic to be committing to each other in the long term.
“Oscar is already proving what he can do out on track and has been instrumental in the turnaround we’ve had so far this season.
“He’s fit into the team brilliantly and is really valued by the whole McLaren Racing family. I’m excited to see how he continues to grow both on and off track.”
Keyword: McLaren announce Piastri extension through 2026