Rising F1 star Oscar Piastri makes decision on McLaren future

British teammate Lando Norris last year signed an extension through to the end of 2025

Australian driver Oscar Piastri has signed a new deal with McLaren to keep him at the Formula One team until 2026.

Piastri joined McLaren as reserve driver last year and made his F1 debut this season at Bahrain before he finished fourth at the British Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old further showed his potential with a second-place showing in the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix and will now continue alongside British racer Lando Norris at McLaren for the foreseeable future.

“I am thrilled to be extending my partnership with McLaren for many years. 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,” Piastri said.

“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.”

McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said: “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.”

PA