McLaren Racing F1 team and Australian driver Oscar Piastri agreed on a multi-year contract extension through the end of 2026, the Woking-based outfit confirmed on Wednesday.
Following the announcement of 22-year-old Oscar Piastri’s contract extension, the iconic team founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963 retains a young and talented pairing formed by the Australian rookie and Briton Lando Norris, whose contract is valid through the end of 2025.
“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 already being laid to get us there,” Piastri said.
Adding: “The welcome I have received and the relationships I have built make this feel like home already. The team’s consistent commitment to 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.”
The Melbourne native commits his future to the British squad; alongside teammate Norris, 23, the pair continues the team’s journey towards fighting for victories, eventually returning to the battle for a Formula One championship.
“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,” the Aussie further outlined.
Piastri joined McLaren late in 2022, under his belt, the 2019 Formula Renault Cup Championship, the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship and the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship.
In his debut season as a Formula One driver, he has been showcasing his potential at the wheel of the MCL60 despite starting the year last March in Bahrain with a DNF.
McLaren’s challenger struggled with poor aerodynamic efficiency from the off, missing to score points in five races during the first half of the season.
However, the upgrades brought by the team pointed in the right direction, and the driver’s performances helped translate the work effort into positive results, scoring points in all the last seven races.
Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1, commented: “It’s fantastic to confirm that Oscar has signed a multi-year extension with the team. Oscar is an asset to McLaren and constantly impresses with his performance, work ethic, and attitude, so it was an…
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