Written by Jenny Clynes, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Oscar Piastri has announced that he has signed to stay on with the McLaren Formula One team until the end of 2026.
Despite already having an agreement with McLaren until the end of the 2024 season, the British team have quickly locked Piastri down for the next three years.
The Australian rookie has had a sensational debut year in Formula One, scoring a total of 42 points so far for the McLaren team. In such a short time, Piastri has already achieved so much, and has truly cemented his place in the future of Formula One.
At the British Grand Prix back in July, he amazed fans by achieving third place in qualifying, and narrowly missing out on a podium,finishing in fourth place at his team’s home race. Back at the Belgian Grand Prix, he achieved second place in the Saturday Sprint Race, showcasing just what he has to offer in the Papaya team.
The news was announced in a video message via the McLaren Formula One team social media channels, and involved Piastri reflecting on some of his highlights of his Formula One career so far. His self proclaimed highlight was that Saturday at Spa, and “reaching Q3 in Saudi Arabia”, which was just his second Formula One race. He ended the announcement by happily stating that he “can’t wait to be in Papaya until the end of 2026”.
It is clear that the 2021 Formula Two champion and McLaren have built a strong relationship so far in a short amount of time, and ultimately it will be very exciting to see what lies ahead for Oscar Piastri in the Papaya team.
Piastri was beyond delighted to sign another contract with the Woking outfit, saying: “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.”
“The welcome that I have received and the relationships that I have built make this feel like home already. The team’s consistent commitment in 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.
“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.
“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.”