Guenther Steiner Urges Oscar Piastri to Consider McLaren Exit by 2026 Amidst Performance Dip

Oscar Piastri, currently facing a challenging period in his F1 2025 campaign, should consider leaving McLaren when his contract expires, or if he fails to rebound in 2026, according to former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner. Piastri's championship challenge has faltered, going five consecutive races without a podium, leading Steiner to suggest that a change of scenery might be beneficial for the young Australian driver.

Why it matters:

• A potential departure of Oscar Piastri from McLaren, especially if his performance slump continues, could significantly alter the driver market for top teams in 2026 and beyond.
• Piastri's current struggles highlight the immense pressure of an F1 title fight, even for a driver with a strong junior career, and could impact his long-term trajectory in the sport.
• Guenther Steiner's outspoken advice reflects a critical viewpoint from within F1, suggesting that even promising talents must carefully manage their careers to maintain competitiveness and mental fortitude.

The details:

• Championship Reversal: Piastri, who was 34 points clear at the top of the standings after winning the Dutch Grand Prix, now trails teammate Lando Norris by 24 points with three rounds remaining in F1 2025.
• Steiner's Stance: Speaking on the 'Red Flags podcast', Steiner gave a 'gas' (agreement) to the suggestion that Piastri should leave McLaren if he doesn't win the championship, citing his potential to secure a seat in another competitive car due to his driving talent.
• Verstappen's Surge: Steiner also believes Max Verstappen will finish ahead of Piastri in the championship, despite Norris currently leading. Verstappen has been on a relentless podium streak since the summer break, winning three races.
• Mental Impact: Steiner suggested that Piastri could be