Oscar Piastri says he is 'thrilled and excited' to sign new McLaren deal until 2026 ahead of Japanese Grand Prix
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Published 20/09/2023 at 13:15 GMT
McLaren have tied down Oscar Piastri to a long-term deal. The 22-year-old has recorded four top-10 finishes in the last six Formula 1 races and sits 11th in the drivers’ championship. He says it was an "easy decision" to sign a new deal with McLaren and hopes to be "fighting it out at the front of the grid with this team" in the future. McLaren are fifth in the constructors' championship.
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Oscar Piastri has signed a contract extension with McLaren until 2026.
The 22-year-old has impressed on his debut season in Formula 1 alongside team-mate Lando Norris. He has had four top-10 finishes in the last six races and sits 11th in the drivers’ championship.
Team principal Andrea Stella said it was an "easy decision for the team to make" to secure Piastri’s long-term future.
“Oscar is an asset to McLaren and constantly impresses with his performance, work ethic and attitude,” said Stella.
“He has already proved pivotal to the team, so it’s brilliant to have his vote of confidence as we push to win championships again in the future. I look forward to seeing him develop with us as we continue this journey together.”
Piastri fought back from 17th to finish seventh in last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
He said: “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.”
Piastri’s team-mate Norris is seventh in the drivers’ championship.
He finished second in Singapore, his third second-place finish of the season after the British Grand Prix and Hungarian Grand Prix.
McLaren are fifth in the constructors' championship ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, which is on September 24.
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