McLaren Locks Down Piastri on a Multiyear Contract Extension
Oscar Piastri must really love the color papaya. Either that or McLaren has mastered the art of irresistible contract extensions. Just 15 races into his rookie season in 2023, Piastri signed an extension. Fast forward to 2025, and after winning two Grands Prix, grabbing a Sprint victory, and casually standing on the podium another six times, he’s signed yet another multi-year deal. At this point, it’s safe to say McLaren might just be hoarding talent.
The Australian sensation, who’s only 23 but already driving like a seasoned veteran (seriously, did this guy skip F1 puberty?), didn’t just impress with trophies. He had the audacity to complete every single racing lap of the 2024 season. Not one DNF. Not even one “I-just-fancy-an-early-shower” moment. His consistent brilliance helped secure McLaren their first Teams’ Championship since the distant, mythical age of 1998, when dial-up internet was a thing.
Piastri was characteristically modest about his extended stay in the orange army, saying, “It’s a great feeling knowing I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.” Translation: “I really, really like winning here, and these papaya suits are surprisingly flattering.”
Zak Brown, McLaren CEO and part-time hype man, called the decision a “no-brainer,” clearly forgetting that brains are still very much needed in Formula 1. Still, we get the point—Oscar’s talent and chemistry with teammate Lando Norris have made McLaren the envy of the grid. Or at least, the team everyone pretends not to envy.
Andrea Stella, the team’s Principal and resident philosopher, added that the extension symbolizes “our belief and trust in Oscar.” He probably meant it also symbolizes fewer sleepless nights worrying about contracts, but we appreciate the sentiment.
With Oscar Piastri locked down alongside Norris, McLaren now boasts one of the most stable and potent driver line-ups in Formula 1. At this rate, the only thing they’ll need to worry about is running out of shelf space for trophies. And maybe stocking enough papaya fabric for all those victory celebrations.
