Oscar Piastri made a stunning impression in the 2025 Formula 1 season, fighting at the sharp end of the drivers’ championship for the first time in his career. Despite this breakthrough, the Australian’s long-term future at McLaren remains uncertain, even though he is under contract with the team until 2028.
The Woking-based squad extended Oscar Piastri’s contract on the eve of the 2025 season, significantly boosting his salary to £28 million per year. In return, the Australian delivered seven Grand Prix victories, six pole positions, and 16 podium finishes across the 24-race calendar, firmly establishing himself as one of F1’s brightest young talents.
For a remarkable 189 days, Oscar Piastri led the drivers’ standings, becoming the first Australian to top the championship leaderboard since Mark Webber in 2010. Yet, despite his strong start, he ultimately finished the season 13 points behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris and 11 points adrift of Max Verstappen. Piastri’s late-season struggles included a crash in Azerbaijan, a collision with Norris in the COTA Sprint, and disappointing performances on low-grip circuits such as the USA, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo.
McLaren assess options as Piastri reportedly grows frustrated
According to Nextgen-Auto, Piastri has become privately frustrated at McLaren, sensing a “growing preference” for Lando Norris within the team. This has prompted McLaren to review their long-term plans, including contingency measures in case Piastri seeks an early exit from his contract at the end of the 2026 season.
Should Piastri move on, McLaren are reportedly “particularly interested” in Ferrari star Charles Leclerc as a potential replacement for the 2027 season. However, the Woking outfit may face competition from Aston Martin, who are also monitoring Charles Leclerc closely. Aston Martin will have two drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, out of contract at the end of 2026, making them a serious alternative for Charles Leclerc if he decides to leave Ferrari early.
Leclerc’s Ferrari future hinges on 2026 performance
Charles Leclerc has a release clause in his Ferrari contract valid through 2029, allowing him to depart Maranello if he chooses. His decision on whether to stay with Ferrari or explore other opportunities, such as McLaren or Aston Martin, is expected to hinge on the team’s early performance under the 2026 F1 regulations. Charles Leclerc, who has claimed just eight wins from 152 races with Ferrari since joining in 2019, is determined to secure a competitive car capable of genuinely contending for a world championship.
Charles Leclerc may even be open to a seat swap with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri if Mercedes’ driver market does not align, positioning him as a potential replacement for the Australian in 2027. Yet McLaren will need to navigate competition from Aston Martin, where Adrian Newey’s role as technical chief could make the Silverstone-based team a highly appealing destination for the Monegasque driver. With Honda joining as a factory engine partner and Newey leading car development, Aston Martin may emerge as a serious contender for Charles Leclerc’s signature.
McLaren’s proven winning formula
Despite relying on Mercedes customer engines, McLaren has already demonstrated they can compete at the very top. The team secured back-to-back Constructors’ Championship titles in 2024 and 2025, while Lando Norris claimed the drivers’ title in 2025. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri won seven Grands Prix in 2025, surpassing Charles Leclerc’s total of six wins across the past five seasons. With this track record, McLaren remains a compelling option for the Monegasque should he seek a change for the 2027 campaign.
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