Former Formula 1 driver-turned pundit Ralf Schumacher has suggested Aston Martin could be a future destination for Oscar Piastri, amid potential discontent at McLaren.
The final quarter of this year’s championship has seen Piastri’s fortune turn from a bed of roses to a wilting greenhouse, with a steady points lead turning into a one-digit deficit in favour of team-mate Lando Norris.
Norris’ overturning of the gap has dovetailed with Max Verstappen also getting himself back into the game, and with it, questions about the Australian’s psyche and contentment within the Woking-based squad.
McLaren has been frequent in its insitence that it is determined to treat both Norris and Piastri equally, and that it will not favour one driver over the other, regardless of the circumstances.
After the Singapore Grand Prix, in which both men touched on the opening lap, it was revealed that Norris was blamed internally for the incident and was handed “repercussions” for it.
But for Schumacher, speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, there is now a feeling that Piastri may be questioning the fairness within the team and could be keeping one eye on the market.
“From my perspective, if a driver has lost trust in the team – or vice versa, which can happen – that’s a clear sign that consequences need to follow, and the you might even need to leave the team,” he said.
Piastri or Leclerc could suit Aston Martin ‘urgent’ desire for change
Schumacher believes that Aston Martin might be a suitable destination, citing an alleged desire to change its line-up.
“The rumours in the paddock are clear: Aston Martin is urgently looking for a change around 2026 or after 2026 at the latest,” he said.
“I get the impression that he’s thinking, ‘I’m not putting myself through all this anymore,’ especially with all the criticism and online backlash he’s been facing.
“Naturally, they’re looking for two strong drivers. One candidate is Oscar Piastri — I can say with pretty solid confidence that those talks are already happening — and of course Charles Leclerc, if he wants it, that’s another option.
“And who knows, they might even try to find a way to exit a contract early if there’s an alternative line-up for next year. Otherwise, it just doesn’t make sense to stay.”
READ MORE – What Fernando Alonso wants Aston Martin to do before F1 2026
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