Guenther Steiner Urges Oscar Piastri to Elevate Performance or Consider McLaren Exit
Guenther Steiner has urged Oscar Piastri to improve his performance or consider leaving McLaren if he doesn't win the F1 Drivers' Championship this year. Piastri is currently second in a tight title race, but his recent dip in form and the looming threat of Max Verstappen are increasing the pressure. Steiner believes Piastri needs to regroup over winter or explore new team options to elevate his career.
Guenther Steiner has advised Oscar Piastri to significantly step up his game in 2026 or explore options beyond McLaren, particularly if he fails to secure the drivers' championship this season. Piastri is currently in a tight three-way battle for the title with teammate Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, holding second place, 24 points behind Norris and 25 ahead of Verstappen, with three races remaining.
Why it matters:
Piastri's performance in the final rounds of the season and his subsequent actions in 2026 will be crucial in defining his career trajectory. For McLaren, a consistent frontrunner is essential to challenge for constructors' titles, and the pressure on Piastri to deliver is immense, especially as the team aims to solidify its position among F1's elite.
The details:
- Championship Stakes: Piastri is in contention for his first-ever F1 Drivers' Championship. He currently sits in second place, trailing Lando Norris by 24 points and leading Max Verstappen by 25 points. This close battle will intensify in the upcoming triple-header.
- Steiner's Stance: Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes that if Piastri doesn't win the championship this year, he must 'regroup' over the winter and return 'stronger than before'.
- Steiner added: "Otherwise, if he doesn’t come back stronger, I think the best for him is that he changes teams then. But he could come back because I still rate him highly."
- Market Value: Steiner also noted that Piastri, being a good driver and young enough, would have strong opportunities in other top teams should he choose to leave McLaren, suggesting that a change could sometimes be beneficial for adaptation and growth.
- Performance Dip: Piastri has not secured a podium finish since the Italian Grand Prix, indicating a recent drop in form at a critical juncture of the season.
- Verstappen's Threat: Max Verstappen, despite starting behind Piastri in the standings, is seen as a significant threat due to his proven ability to recover and perform under pressure. Steiner commented: "If you say Oscar is now destroyed mentally, then Max will be ahead of him, absolutely."
- Verstappen's impressive drive in Brazil, where he recovered from a 'crappy qualifying' to finish on the podium, exemplifies his relentless pursuit of results.
What's next:
The pressure is on Piastri to deliver strong results in the final three rounds, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix from November 20-22. His performance in these races will not only determine his championship fate but also heavily influence perceptions of his future potential in F1. If he fails to turn his form around, the calls for a significant regrouping or even a team change will only intensify.