Guenther Steiner Advises Piastri to Consider McLaren Exit if He Doesn't Win Title

Former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has controversially suggested that Oscar Piastri should consider leaving McLaren if he doesn't secure the championship this year. Despite recently extending his contract, Piastri finds himself 24 points behind teammate Lando Norris with three races remaining, following a challenging run that erased a significant points advantage.

Why it matters:

Steiner's comments highlight the immense pressure on young drivers like Piastri to perform at an elite level, even against established teammates. His advice, though provocative, underscores the cutthroat nature of Formula 1, where a driver's future can hinge on outperforming their direct competitor and securing top results. For Piastri, who is still in his formative years in F1, these remarks add another layer of scrutiny as he navigates a crucial period in his career.

The details:

• Current Standings: Piastri is currently 24 points behind Lando Norris in the championship, with three rounds left.
• Recent Struggles: A 34-point lead over Norris after the Dutch Grand Prix has been nullified by a series of less favorable results in recent events.
• Driving Style Adaptation: Piastri has noted that he has been forced to adapt his driving style in the last three Grands Prix, contrasting with how he's driven for most of the season.
• Steiner's Bold Advice: Guenther Steiner, speaking on The Red Flags podcast, suggested Piastri has a "good chance to get in any other good car" if he doesn't win the title.
• Rationale for Change: Steiner believes "change sometimes is good" for young drivers, emphasizing Piastri's youth and adaptability.
• Winter Regroup: Steiner advises Piastri to "regroup over the winter and come back stronger than before," implying that if he doesn't, a team change would be beneficial.
• Max Verstappen's Contention: Despite a 49-point deficit to Norris, Steiner still views Max Verstappen as a championship contender, pointing to his strong mental fortitude and resilience, as demonstrated by his podium finish in Brazil after a difficult qualifying.

What's next:

Piastri will need to demonstrate significant resilience and performance in the remaining races to close the gap on Norris and contend for the title. Regardless of the outcome, his performance in the upcoming events will be critical for his standing within McLaren and for shaping his future options in Formula 1. If he fails to secure the title and his performance doesn't rebound, Steiner's advice may prompt a deeper evaluation of his long-term future at McLaren, despite his recent contract extension.