F1 Fans Split on Whether Oscar Piastri Should Leave McLaren After 2025 Title Miss
Oscar Piastri's failure to convert a 2025 championship lead into a title has sparked debate and divided fan opinion on his McLaren future. With his management reportedly assessing options despite a contract until 2028, his next move is pivotal ahead of F1's 2026 rule changes.
Oscar Piastri fell short of his first Formula 1 world championship in 2025, losing a significant points lead to teammate Lando Norris in the final nine rounds and finishing third overall. The dramatic swing has ignited debate over whether team dynamics or a personal performance dip cost him the title, leading to widespread speculation about his future with the reigning constructors' champions.
Why it matters:
Piastri's situation tests the stability of one of F1's most successful current pairings. After coming so close to a title, his next career move could define the competitive landscape for the 2026 regulation changes, influencing not just McLaren's trajectory but the driver market for top teams.
The details:
- Piastri led the standings by 34 points with nine races to go but was overtaken by Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, finishing third.
- Fan and analyst debate centers on two factors: perceived team strategy favoring Norris and Piastri's own late-season form decline.
- Despite being under contract until the end of 2028, reports suggest his management, led by Mark Webber, is evaluating options outside McLaren.
- A recent fan poll revealed a divided public, with no clear consensus on whether he should stay or seek a new challenge.
What's next:
All eyes are on Piastri's and McLaren's performance heading into the 2026 regulatory reset. His decision to stay and fight for the title at Woking or explore opportunities with rival teams will be one of the key narratives shaping the next era of Formula 1.