Ex-Haas Boss Steiner Suggests Piastri May Leave McLaren if No Title Win
Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner suggests Oscar Piastri could leave McLaren if he doesn't win a championship, citing his recent performance dip and high demand in the driver market. After a strong start to the season, Piastri's form has declined, leading to speculation about his future if McLaren cannot provide a consistent championship-contending car. Top teams are reportedly monitoring the situation, indicating potential major shifts in the F1 driver market.
Oscar Piastri, once hailed as the breakout star of the season for his consistent pace and cool demeanor, has seen a dip in form since Singapore. This has prompted former Haas team principal Günther Steiner to speculate about Piastri's future, suggesting the Australian's time at McLaren could soon be over if he doesn't achieve a championship.
Why it matters:
Günther Steiner's comments highlight the immense pressure on young F1 talents like Piastri and the cutthroat nature of team dynamics. For McLaren, retaining a driver of Piastri's caliber is crucial for their long-term championship aspirations, while for Piastri, securing a competitive car is paramount for his career progression in a highly competitive field. His potential departure would signal a significant shift in the driver market.
The details:
- Steiner's Stance: In the "Red Flags" podcast, Steiner explicitly stated, "If Oscar doesn't win the title, he will leave McLaren." He added that other teams would eagerly sign him, emphasizing Piastri's talent and youth as key assets for a potential move.
- Performance Dip: After a dominant run between China and Monza, where Piastri achieved 14 podium finishes in 15 races, his performance has faltered since the European season finale. He has recorded no further podiums and has consistently been outperformed by teammate Lando Norris.
- Championship Standings: Piastri currently trails Norris by 24 points in the championship and is just 25 points ahead of Max Verstappen, who impressively recovered from 16th to a podium finish in Brazil.
- Mental Fortitude: Steiner believes Verstappen's current motivation is sky-high, even after a poor qualifying, while Piastri appears mentally shaken. He predicts Verstappen could overtake Piastri in the standings if the Australian's form doesn't improve.
Between the lines:
Steiner, known for his direct and candid analyses, suggests that a change of scenery could benefit Piastri. "Change can sometimes do a driver good," he noted, implying that if McLaren cannot provide a championship-winning car, Piastri will explore other options. This reflects a broader trend in F1 where top talents are quick to move if their current team isn't delivering.
What's next:
While Steiner's remarks are speculative, they underscore the volatile nature of driver contracts and team loyalties in F1. If Piastri's dissatisfaction grows, top teams like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and even Red Bull could reportedly show interest. The coming months will reveal whether Piastri can regain his early-season form and whether McLaren can provide the machinery to keep him from seeking opportunities elsewhere to fulfill his championship ambitions.