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Piastri grateful for ‘huge advantage’ of stability from new McLaren deal
Oscar Piastri says stability at this point of his career is “a huge advantage” after signing a contract extension with McLaren through to the end of 2026.
The Australian was already on a multi-year contract but his impressive performances in his rookie season have led to McLaren moving to secure his services for the three years after this one, with Lando Norris also committed for the next two. Piastri says the trust the team has in him has helped him settle and perform in 2023, and having continuity for the long term allows him the best chance to develop further.
“I am thrilled to be extending my partnership with McLaren for many years,” Piastri said. “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 has a best finish of fourth place so far this season -- achieved at Silverstone -- as well as a runner-up finish in the sprint at Spa, and is currently 11th in the drivers’ championship, five points behind ninth-placed Lance Stroll. All but five of his 42 points have come in the past six races.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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