In a dramatic twist to F1’s 2025 silly season, Oscar Piastri has shut down all speculation by signing a blockbuster long-term extension with McLaren. The 23-year-old has now committed to the team until at least 2028, ending rumors linking him to potential moves to Red Bull or Ferrari. It’s a massive show of loyalty to McLaren and a clear warning to rivals that both team and driver are not just planning to compete—they’re planning to dominate
The financials behind the deal speak volumes. Piastri will now earn a reported £20 million annually—level with teammate Lando Norris—marking his entry into the elite salary bracket of Formula 1. His incredible 2024 season, which saw him take two victories and never fail to finish a race, clearly made an impression. McLaren has doubled down on its rising star, proving they’re willing to spend to stay at the top
What makes the timing more impressive is McLaren’s long-term strategy. With Norris signed through 2027 and CEO Zak Brown contracted until 2030, the team has built one of the most stable cores in F1. Team Principal Andrea Stella praised the “perfect balance” between Piastri and Norris, noting how rare it is to find two young drivers pushing each other without disrupting team harmony. Their 2024 Constructors’ Championship win was no fluke—and this deal locks in that success blueprint.
Piastri called the decision a “no-brainer,” citing trust, belief, and shared ambition with the team. In a bold move, he also confirmed that the new contract includes a “no team orders” clause. This ensures he won’t play second fiddle to Norris—a crucial factor as both drivers prepare to battle not just other teams, but potentially each other, for the 2025 title. After a pole in Miami and a commanding win in Shanghai, Piastri knows he’s not just on the grid—he’s in the fight.
As the 2025 season begins on home soil in Australia, McLaren enters with the most consistent driver pairing on the grid. Behind the scenes, they’ve built an infrastructure of trust, investment, and high-performance culture. On track, the Norris-Piastri rivalry could fuel one of the most exciting internal duels in recent memory—if kept healthy, it could also propel McLaren to a new era of dominance.
ustralia, McLaren enters with the most consistent driver pairing on the grid. Behind the scenes, they’ve built an infrastructure of trust, investment, and high-performance culture. On track, the Norris-Piastri rivalry could fuel one of the most exciting internal duels in recent memory—if kept healthy, it could also propel McLaren to a new era of dominance
