After the bitter disappointment of narrowly missing the 2025 championship, which went to teammate Lando Norris, McLaren is determined not to lose Oscar Piastri mentally or motivation-wise. With a long-term contract, youth, and undeniable talent, Piastri is considered a key asset that the team is keen to protect. Both CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella are fully aware of his importance.
McLaren has enjoyed an idyllic holiday period, celebrating the historic double victory in the 2025 Formula 1 season: both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, with Lando Norris securing the latter. This double achievement had not been accomplished by the team since 1998.
Many pieces fell into place throughout the season, yet Lando Norris clinched the title not only against Max Verstappen but also, perhaps more crucially, against his teammate Oscar Piastri. The Australian led the championship for much of the year before experiencing a dip in form that allowed Lando Norris to overtake him in the final races.
The so-called “Papaya Rules” played a significant role in the final outcome. Had McLaren supported Piastri more decisively at the end of the season, potentially prioritizing him over Norris, it is possible that Oscar would have celebrated the championship instead of the British driver.
The 2026 season will bring technical challenges for all teams due to the new regulations. For McLaren, however, another critical priority is ensuring that Oscar Piastri remains fully motivated and mentally sharp. He is a vital asset for the team and must be in top form for the Barcelona testing scheduled at the end of January.
Zak Brown emphasized Oscar Piastri’s potential, stating: “Oscar will become a world champion, and I am convinced he will do it with McLaren. Even though we signed him when he was already highly talented, we still took a risk with both our drivers: the first time Oscar and Lando drove a Formula 1 car, they did it with us.”
“For a top team, taking a risk with young drivers is extremely rewarding. Achieving two number-one drivers against all odds, despite all the rumors claiming it was impossible, is a huge success. Each of them won seven races in a single season, and both love racing against each other. That’s the pinnacle.”
Brown added: “They never had any strange conflicts. Both were occasionally a bit stubborn with Andrea (Stella) and me, but I think that’s a good thing. It pushes us to improve, and that’s a great result. I am very proud and can’t wait to do it again.”
Andrea Stella echoed Brown’s sentiments: “In fact, this year we could have had two champions. The gap between them was so small that after Abu Dhabi qualifying, it was around 30 thousandths of a second. That sums up the season.”
“Thirty thousandths in qualifying, always closely matched on track from the very first lap. Yes, there were tense moments, but they were always resolved positively. Oscar was a deserving champion, even in his third Formula 1 season. He learned quickly, though he struggled in a few races, especially on low-grip tracks.”
“He adapted very fast. He became competitive again immediately. His racing trajectory is phenomenal, and we are certain we have a future multiple world champion in Oscar.”
The endorsements from Brown and Stella are extremely significant for Oscar Piastri. By the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Australian hoped to continue in 2026 with the same on-track equality seen throughout 2025, even though Norris will carry the number 1 on the nose of his MCL40.
It will be crucial for McLaren to ensure Oscar Piastri receives equal treatment. While he recently signed a multi-year contract, contracts can always be reconsidered. Mark Webber, Piastri’s manager, knows well that other teams are very interested in securing a top driver for the present and future. McLaren is determined to protect its key human asset, and 2026 offers an opportunity to provide Piastri with certainty and stability within the team.
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