On the eve of his home race, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix hero Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year contract extension with McLaren.
The Woking-based McLaren outfit revealed on Wednesday morning in Piastri’s native Australia (Tuesday night, UK) that he had extended his future with the team long-term.
Piastri made his debut with McLaren in 2023 on an initial multi-year deal that was extended through 2026 at the end of his rookie season after a Sprint victory and two GP podium finishes.
In his sophomore campaign, Piastri took his first two GP victories in Hungary and Azerbaijan, visited the podium a further six times and completed every race lap of the 2024 season en route to fourth in the Drivers’ standings, a massive contributor to McLaren’s first Constructors’ title in 26 years.
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With the season-opening race just around the corner in Melbourne, Piastri has been rewarded for his impressive maiden years in F1.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision,” said Piastri.
“The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we’ve gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible.
“There are so many talented and special people working at MTC who have helped me to become a Formula 1 race winner very early in my career.
“Therefore, I’m very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come.
“I’m excited to fight for the big prizes as a McLaren driver and after last year’s fantastic achievements, it has made me even hungrier to stay at the sharp end.”
McLaren keen to fight for more titles with Piastri
McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes he has locked in the strongest driver line-up on the grid with Piastri earning a long-term extension.
With the Australian and team-mate Lando Norris, Brown expects McLaren to fight for further world titles.
“It’s fantastic to confirm Oscar’s extension with McLaren,” said Brown.
“Not only is he an incredibly talented driver, but his work ethic and cultural fit within the team made it a no-brainer to extend his time in papaya.
“We’ve got the best driver line-up on the grid, and in the past two seasons, we’ve seen how much of an asset to the team Oscar is both on and off track.
“He was absolutely fundamental in adding to our legacy with the 2024 Constructors’ Championship last season, so we’re all excited to see what we can do in the years to come as we continue to fight for World Championships together.”
McLaren has shown trust in Piastri
It’s widely expected that McLaren will continue where it left off in 2024 this season and start the coming campaign with the strongest package.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella believes Piastri, together with Norris, is the right driver to push the squad forward.
“Further extending our partnership with Oscar is a symbol of our belief and trust in him as a driver, as well as a reflection of our shared ambition to continue in our fight for Championships together,” the Italian said.
“It has been a pleasure working with Oscar throughout the past two seasons and he has continued to prove how impressive he is in terms of his talent, determination and work ethic as a driver and his contribution to our team and culture as a person.
“Alongside Lando, we have what we need locked in for the long term to keep pushing forward. I look forward to continuing to watch Oscar grow and develop as a driver and know that many successes lie ahead for him.”
Piastri and McLaren will race in front of the Australian’s home crowd on March 14-16.
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