Piastri’s crossroads at McLaren
Former Alpine executive Marcin Budkowski has suggested that Oscar Piastri may need to “look around” if internal struggles at McLaren continue into 2026. The Australian lost last season’s drivers’ championship to teammate Lando Norris despite holding a 34-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix.
A dramatic drop in performance across Azerbaijan, Austin, Mexico City, and São Paulo saw Piastri slip to third in the standings by the end of 2025, with Max Verstappen moving between the two McLaren drivers.
Rising tension with Norris
The closing stages of last season saw an increase in on-track incidents between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, including collisions in Singapore and Austin. Although the Australian driver regained some form in the final two races, the gap to his teammate was too large to overcome, preventing him from claiming the world championship.
A key question ahead of the new season is whether 2026 will be Oscar Piastri’s last year with McLaren. Marcin Budkowski believes this could happen if tensions with Norris continue or if McLaren experiences a setback in competitiveness.
Budkowski on Piastri’s future
In an interview with racingnews365, Budkowski commented: “I think Oscar’s environment is less happy than Lando’s, and obviously that won’t change after the championship. But the real question to ask him is: would you leave a two-time world champion team with a Mercedes engine? Probably not.”
“I believe everything will depend on how 2026 goes. If McLaren is not competitive, or if there are more internal fights between Oscar and Lando, then I could see Oscar going elsewhere. I’m sure Mark Webber has already started these conversations, which is normal, that’s his job as a manager. But there will be opportunities for Oscar, and a time to evaluate them. For now, I think it’s too early.”
“I think everyone is in a holding pattern, waiting to see what happens in 2026. The issue will probably be raised around mid-season for Oscar and his team.”
The year of truth
With these words, Marcin Budkowski concluded his remarks. The 2026 season will be a year of truth for both Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, each potentially facing a team change. Fans will have to wait a few more weeks until Formula 1 returns to the track to officially kick off the new season.
As the paddock prepares for the regulatory overhaul, the dynamic within McLaren remains one of the most scrutinized storylines in the sport. Managing two world-class talents is a “luxury problem” that has historically led to both dominance and disaster for top-tier teams. If Zak Brown and Andrea Stella cannot harmonize the garage, the driver market could be thrown into chaos. For Piastri, a driver known for his composure and clinical precision, the 2026 season represents a crossroads: either solidify his legacy at Woking or become the most sought-after free agent in the paddock. The first few races of the year will undoubtedly set the tone for these high-stakes negotiations.
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