In a bold and strategic move, McLaren has secured its rising star, Oscar Piastri, with a fresh multi-year contract extension ahead of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix. The decision came while Piastri still had two years left on his existing deal, underscoring McLaren’s commitment to their young talent and a desire to fend off rival interest, notably from Red Bull Racing.
Now entering his third season in Formula 1, Piastri has emerged as a much sought-after asset in the racing world. The timely decision by the Woking-based outfit to renew Piastri’s contract through 2027, with an option to extend further, demonstrates their faith in the 23-year-old driver’s capabilities.
Piastri’s journey with McLaren began in 2023 with a contract that originally spanned just one season. However, his impressive performance swiftly earned him an extension through 2026. The recent decision to further extend his contract to 2027 and beyond signals the team’s confidence in Piastri’s long-term potential.
In just 46 races, Piastri has already achieved two victories, one in Hungary and another in Azerbaijan. His exceptional performance in his sophomore year, which saw him finish fourth in the championship standings, played a pivotal role in McLaren clinching its first World Constructors’ Championship in over 25 years.
Piastri’s escalating success has not gone unnoticed by McLaren’s rivals, with Red Bull Racing reportedly showing keen interest in the Australian driver. According to an analysis by Lawrence Barretto on Formula 1’s official website, sources suggest that Red Bull had set its sights on Piastri in 2024, initiating discussions about the possibility of him joining their ranks.
Substantiating these speculations, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, when queried about his preference for a McLaren driver for his own team in the seventh season of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, chose Piastri without a second thought. Furthermore, reports from PlanetF1.com last season indicated Red Bull’s interest in the young driver.
Adding fuel to the fire, Helmut Marko, a senior advisor at Red Bull Racing, reportedly sought conversations with the team in October 2024. This was later echoed by Sky Germany commentator Sascha Roos in December, accentuating Red Bull’s intrigue in Piastri.
Nonetheless, Piastri quashed these rumors during a press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix, stating, “I’m very happy where I am. I’m under contract for the next two years after this, and I’m certainly not looking to go elsewhere. It wouldn’t be a week in F1 without some comments from Helmut!”
Reportedly, Piastri’s contract incorporates “accumulator clauses,” entitling him to bonuses for reaching specific milestones or accomplishments. Given such attractive terms, it’s hardly surprising that Piastri didn’t hesitate to reaffirm his commitment to McLaren.