Oscar Piastri on the Brink: Will McLaren’s Internal Strife Drive Him Away?
In a dramatic twist to the Formula 1 narrative, former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski has ignited speculation about Oscar Piastri’s future with McLaren. He warns that if tensions continue to rise within the team, Piastri might be forced to “look elsewhere.” This bold statement comes on the heels of a tumultuous 2025 season, where Piastri, once riding high with a 34-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix, suffered a shocking decline, finishing third in the drivers’ championship behind teammate Lando Norris and reigning champion Max Verstappen.
The heat was palpable as Piastri and Norris clashed on track during critical moments in Singapore and Austin, a clear indicator of the brewing rivalry. As the dust settled, Piastri managed to regain some momentum in the final rounds, but it was too little, too late. The question echoing through the paddock now is whether this tumultuous season will mark Piastri’s last with McLaren.
Budkowski delved into the complexities of team dynamics, expressing concern over the disparity between Piastri’s and Norris’s camps. “I think the Oscar camp is less happy than the Lando camp, and obviously that’s not going to change after the championship,” he stated emphatically. Piastri’s future hinges on how the upcoming 2026 season unfolds. Should McLaren falter in competitiveness or the infighting escalate, Budkowski believes Piastri will have no choice but to consider his options.
The reality of F1 is that top talent is always in demand, and Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, is undoubtedly already exploring avenues for the young driver. “I’m sure Mark Webber has already started this conversation, which is normal — that’s his job as a manager — but there will be opportunities for Oscar,” Budkowski remarked, hinting at a potential shift in the driver market.
As the season approaches, the pressure mounts. Will Piastri find himself trapped in a toxic rivalry with Norris, or will he secure a future that allows him to shine without compromise? The clock is ticking, and the mid-season may prove pivotal for Piastri and his team as they navigate this high-stakes landscape. With all eyes on McLaren, the sport holds its breath—will Piastri take the leap, or will he stay and fight? The coming months will reveal all.








