Oscar Piastri’s contract with McLaren has been extended through the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the team announced.
Oscar Piastri has extended his contract with McLaren for a number of years, keeping him with the team through 2026, when new Formula 1 rules will be implemented.
Piastri, who signed a multi-year contract with McLaren in late 2022, is currently taking the opportunity to enjoy his debut F1 season.
Piastri, who is currently positioned 11th in the F1 driver standings, has been the year’s top rookie driver. He regularly battles with or finishes close to Lando Norris, who is his teammate and has a McLaren contract through 2025.
The 22-year-old has put up an outstanding level of performance with team papaya, having his best qualifying at the British Grand Prix earlier this summer as he lined up third on the grid and also achieving his best result year-to-date with a fourth-place finish at Silverstone.
With Piastri’s new contract, McLaren will give the Australian and Lando Norris the access to its cars till at least the end of 2025.
Piastri won the Formula Renault Cup in 2019, the Formula 3 Championship in 2020, and the Formula 2 Championship in 2021 marking a successful junior career.
“I am thrilled to be extending my partnership with McLaren for many years,” said Piastri. “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.”
Piastri’s new contract is significant due to the fact that Max Verstappen, who signed a contract to remain with Red Bull through the end of 2028, will be the only other driver to join a team when the new F1 regulations take effect in 2026.
Piastri has impressed McLaren after nearly finishing on the podium in the 2023 British GP and qualifying in second place for the mixed-weather Belgian GP Sprint Race.
“It’s fantastic to confirm that Oscar has signed a multi-year extension with the team,” said team principal Andrea Stella. “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.”
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.”
